New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed an executive order on Monday, June 1, repealing bedtimes for children during the New York Knicks’ run in the 2026 NBA Finals [1]. The Knicks reached the Finals for the first time since 1999 and will face the San Antonio Spurs starting Wednesday, June 3 [1, 2].
Mamdani said he was clear about his decision, stating, “I hereby direct that bedtimes in the City of New York are repealed during the NBA Finals so that kids of all ages can root for their New York Knicks” [1]. He added, “As Mayor, you’re forced to make many difficult decisions. This was not one of them” [1].
The Knicks’ appearance marks their first Finals trip in 27 years; the team last won the NBA championship in 1973 [1]. The executive order was created explicitly to allow children to watch and support the Knicks throughout the Finals games [1].
At an event to mark the signing, children symbolically added their handprints to the document as Mamdani led chants supporting the Knicks [2]. The mayor also highlighted recent sports victories, including Arsenal’s Premier League title and the Knicks’ sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals [1].
The NBA Finals series between the Knicks and Spurs will officially begin on June 3, with New Yorkers eagerly awaiting the games and the chance to cheer without the usual bedtime restrictions [1, 2].
