Knicks heralded as kings of NYC as millions attend estimated largest ticker-tape parade — and party — in city’s history

They’re the kings of New York City!

The Knicks were heralded as royalty Thursday in what is estimated to be the largest ticker tape parade — and biggest party — in Big Apple history, with ravenous fans arriving hours ahead of the event to catch a glimpse of the champions.

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An estimated 2 million fans flooded lower Manhattan for the blockbuster event, forming a sea of orange and blue that extended blocks beyond the Canyon of Heroes and swelled with unadulterated joy.

The epic championship ceremony is estimated to be the largest parade in New York City history. T.JACKSON / BACKGRID

More than a million fans flooded lower Manhattan to witness the event. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Knicks guard Jose Alvarado is swarmed by fans during the parade. Brian Zak/NY Post

“This is Knick City! This is basketball town,” said Al James, of Staten Island, who took the day off from the MTA to participate.

“I never felt the energy like this. I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

The exuberant vibes and a ceremony to give the team the ceremonial keys were the icing on the cake after a historic playoff run that saw the Knicks go 16-3 and rattle off 13 wins in a row.

The team finished off their epic Finals run by polishing off the San Antonio Spurs and NBA golden boy Victor Wembanyama in 5 games, in heated battles that saw Wemby become the most hated man in New York because of his roughhouse play — and the Knicks come out on top in a Game 4 showdown that saw them erase a 29-point deficit.

Jalen Brunson was seen alongside his father, Rick, and “Law & Order” star Mariska Hargitay on the parade float. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Many fans climbed up street poles and scaffolding to catch a glimpse of the players. Getty Images

At one point, Brunson exited the float and let fans touch the Larry O’Brien championship trophy. AP Photo/Richard Drew

The championship turned even cynical New Yorkers giddy and transformed the five boroughs into party central during and after games, with the parade and ceremony Thursday serving as a primal catharsis for a title-starved fanbase that went 53 years without…

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Publish date : 2026-06-18 20:23:00

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