Local NYC businesses are suffering financial losses due to heightened security around Madison Square Garden.
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As the Knicks chase a championship and New York buzzes with NBA Finals fever, a public feud between Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Madison Square Garden CEO James Dolan has spilled beyond politics and sports, with local businesses saying they're paying the price.Hours before Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, MSG canceled its planned outdoor watch party after city officials imposed crowd-control measures around the venue. Dolan blasted the restrictions during a Wednesday appearance on New York sports radio station WFAN, accusing Mamdani's administration of trying to stifle fan celebrations."This is all really designed around stopping people from celebrating around Madison Square Garden," Dolan said, arguing that city officials "don't want the celebration."He repeatedly blamed the mayor's office for security measures that he said would create long delays and discourage fans from gathering near the arena.Mamdani fired back on X, accusing Dolan of spreading misinformation and saying the city had approved a scaled-down watch party while prioritizing public safety.MSG requested a permit for a watch party for 500-999 fans. We approved that permit for 999 fans.Mr. Dolan has now decided to cancel the watch party.I know this is breaking hearts across our city.But if there's one thing Knicks fans don't need permission for, it's showing up…— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) June 10, 2026
