The Knicks and the city of New York are enjoying the excitement of the franchise's first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. David Dee Delgado / Getty ImagesMay 27, 2026 7:42 pm EDT Updated New York Knicks fans have turned NBA Finals tickets into a scorching-hot commodity.Madison Square Garden ticket prices have soared well into the thousands to watch the Knicks compete in their first finals since 1999. Soaring prices have caused strife for many gawking at the unaffordability for New York fans to watch their team attempt to win its first championship since 1973.To combat this, the MSG family of companies announced Wednesday an initiative through its partner, Garden of Dreams Foundation, to give away 250 free tickets per home game for Games 3 and 4 to underprivileged youth throughout New York City.“We are proud to create meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for underprivileged youth in our local communities,” said Rich Constable, EVP, global head of government affairs & social impact at MSG Entertainment, in a statement. “Making sure underserved youth are part of the Knicks Finals run is extremely important to the Knicks, ensuring the next generation of fans can be part of the story.”The foundation will give out 500 tickets through Games 3 and 4 combined and up to a total of 750 if the Knicks can force a Game 6 back in New York against either the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder.Others in power, like mayor Zohran Mamdani, are doing everything they can to ensure the affordability, and therefore the access, for the most raucous of New York fans to experience the finals however they can.“We’re going to have watch parties across this city. We’re incredibly excited about those watch parties,” Mamdani told reporters during an event on housing.The mayor later explained he hopes to make it “easier” and “safe” for New Yorkers to gather for the finals.For the youth lucky enough to receive free tickets from Madison Square Garden, they’ll circumvent eye-popping prices in order to support the biggest team playing on the biggest stage in the Big Apple.