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The reigning 2025 NBA champions will not make the traditional visit to the White House due to a timing issue.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are scheduled to face the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, but a team spokesperson said that despite discussions with the White House, the team will not celebrate with the president.
Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the first half in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 13, 2025. (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
“We have been in contact with the White House and we are grateful for the communication we have had, but the timing just did not work,” the team said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press.
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It was not immediately clear whether a formal invitation had been extended to the team. PK Press Club Digital has contacted the White House for confirmation.
The White House has a long tradition of hosting championship teams to celebrate their achievements. President Donald Trump invited the Midshipmen on Friday following a historic season that culminated in winning the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
President Donald Trump holds up a helmet as he speaks during the presentation of the Commander in Chief’s Trophy with the Midshipmen football team in the East Room of the White House in Washington, District of Columbia, March 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
TRUMP SAYS US WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM WILL VISIT THE WHITE HOUSE ‘SOON’ AFTER REFUSING SOTU’S INVITATION
Teams have declined a visit to the White House in the past. The most notable example occurred in 2017, when the Golden State Warriors’ invitation was withdrawn by Trump after Stephen Curry and other players indicated they were not interested in a visit.
Trump recently invited the U.S. men’s ice hockey team to the White House and State of the Union following their gold medal victory over Canada at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. The women’s team was also invited amid controversy over a quip the president made during a call with the men’s team.
The women’s team declined Trump’s invitation to the State of the Union, citing “previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.”
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) holds the Larry O’Brien championship trophy as he celebrates with his team after winning the NBA basketball championship with a Game 7 victory against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Julio Cortés)
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“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation to our gold medal-winning U.S. women’s hockey team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” USA Hockey said in a statement. “Due to the schedule and planned academic and professional commitments after the Games, athletes are unable to participate.”
