The reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder will not visit the White House during their trip to Washington, D.C., this weekend, citing a “timing issue.” A team spokesperson confirmed the decision on Friday, ahead of their Saturday game against the Washington Wizards.
“We have been in touch with the White House and we are appreciative and grateful for the communication we have had, but the timing just didn’t work out,” the Thunder said in a statement shared with the Athletic.
Championship teams across major American sports have traditionally received invitations from the president to celebrate their victories at the White House. Such visits have become politically charged during Donald Trump’s first and second terms. The last NBA champions to visit were the Boston Celtics in November 2024, when Joe Biden was president.
The Thunder previously visited the White House in 2022 for a tour and documentary screening during Biden’s presidency, though they were not NBA champions at the time.
