NBA Champions Thunder Choose to Pass on White House Visit

The reigning NBA champions, the Thunder, have decided to forego the traditional visit to the White House following their victory over the Pacers in the Finals last season.

Despite having a game scheduled against the Wizards in Washington, D.C., on Saturday at 5 p.m.—a time that would seem perfect for such a visit—the team has cited “timing issues” as the reason for their decision, according to a statement given to The Athletic.

“We have been in touch with the White House and are appreciative of the communication we’ve had, but unfortunately, the timing just didn’t align,” the team explained.

With this decision, the Thunder join a growing list of sports teams and athletes who have opted out of visiting the White House during Donald Trump’s presidency.

Back in 2017, several New England Patriots players, including Devin McCourty, Martellus Bennett, LeGarrette Blount, and even Tom Brady, who cited “personal family matters,” skipped the White House visit after their Super Bowl triumph.

In 2018, the Philadelphia Eagles were initially invited to the White House, but the invitation was rescinded by Trump after it became apparent that numerous players were likely to skip the event. As player Torrey Smith noted, “many” were planning not to attend.

Following their most recent Super Bowl championship in 2025, the Eagles accepted an invitation, but 12 players skipped the visit.

Despite many of the Team USA men’s hockey team attending the White House and the State of the Union address after the 2026 Winter Olympics, their gold-medal-winning counterparts on the women’s side did not, citing scheduling issues.

The Thunder are favored to repeat as NBA Champions despite battling through a number of injuries this season, including significant time off for Jalen Williams, one of the team’s top options, who has just played 26 games.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, last season’s regular season and NBA Finals MVP, is in a good position to replicate the feat as the Thunder, who are 55-15, maintain the league’s best record through 70 games.