New York Knicks ticker-tape parade and celebration: Live updates

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Last updated: Thursday, June 18, 2026 9:06PM GMT
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NEW YORK (WABC) -- It's estimated that over two million people celebrated the Knicks on Thursday as the Parade of Champions honored the team's first NBA championship since 1973.

Following the parade, Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosted a championship celebration and Key to the City ceremony on City Hall Plaza.

After the ceremony, Alicia Keys sang her iconic hit "Empire State of Mind."

The ticker-tape parade was a first for the Knicks, who did not celebrate with the famed tradition during their last wins in 1970 or 1973.

The celebration comes after an awe-inspiring playoff run which saw the Knicks secure the team's first NBA title in more than 50 years with a 4-1 series win over the San Antonio Spurs.

1 hour and 16 minutes ago

NYPD now estimates 2 million people attended parade

New York City police now estimate that two million people attended the Parade of Champions and the surrounding areas.

ByAaron Katersky ABCNews logo
3 hours and 12 minutes ago

Officials estimate more than 1 million people celebrated at parade

A crowd estimated at more than a million people celebrated New York's first NBA title in more than 50 years on Thursday with a parade from Bowling Green to City Hall, where the mayor handed the Knicks keys to the city and Alicia Keys serenaded the champs with Empire State of Mind.

Lower Manhattan was bursting with Knicks fans decked in orange and blue as the Knicks paraded by with their trophy held high in the air.

In a hazy, humid sun, orange, blue and white confetti shot through City Hall Plaza, showering the Knicks and their euphoric fans.

The faade of city hall looks like the inside of Madison Square Garden, draped in Knicks flags and player names and numbers.

There were nine arrests, the NYPD said.

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3 hours and 26 minutes ago

NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson makes City Hall speech

NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson made a speech at the Knicks championship celebration at City Hall on Thursday.

He talked about how all of the behind the scenes people helped bring the team together to be able to win the championship.

Brunson added, "Most importantly thank you to the fans. I'm not going to lie, you all are some pretty hard critics, but we appreciate you all, at least I do."

After leading the Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years, Jalen Brunson said, "when you prove (doubters) wrong, you really don't have to say **** to them, no, they don't deserve it."
3 hours and 39 minutes ago

WATCH: Mayor Mamdani presents Keys to the City to the Knicks

Mayor Mamdani presents the entire Knicks team the Keys to the City.