The New York Knicks have sent a cease-and-desist letter to mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani after his campaign used a logo strikingly similar to the team's in a recent advertisement. The advert, which aired during the Knicks' season opener on Wednesday, features an amateur basketball game and a logo reading 'New York Zohran' in place of the team's branding.
The Knicks released a statement making clear that they do not endorse Mr Mamdani for mayor. 'We object to his use of our copyrighted logo, and we will pursue all legal remedies to enforce our rights,' the team said.
The dispute comes less than two weeks before New Yorkers head to the polls on 4 November. Mr Mamdani, a Democrat, is the frontrunner in the race, with independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa trailing in the polls.
President Donald Trump, a native New Yorker, reportedly told allies he believes Mr Mamdani is unbeatable. Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed reluctant support for Cuomo, saying he would prefer a Democrat to a 'communist', but noted that even if Sliwa dropped out, Cuomo's chances would remain slim.
The Mamdani campaign ad features a dramatic voiceover saying 'New York, this is our year. We've struggled – had dreams dashed and hearts broken. But things can be different. Hope is back.' It ends with a basketball soaring through the net and the modified Knicks-style logo.
