NBA Champs Thunder Won't Visit White House

Oklahoma City Thunder skip White House visit, breaking tradition amid political tensions

The Oklahoma City Thunder, reigning NBA champions, won't visit the White House due to a 'timing issue', citing scheduling conflicts.

Thunder decline White House invitation, stating appreciation for communication but citing timing constraints...

The Oklahoma City Thunder, reigning NBA champions, won't be visiting the White House during their trip to Washington to play the Wizards on Saturday, citing a “timing issue.” “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,” the Thunder said in a statement to The Athletic.

The Thunder's decision comes after several teams have declined White House visits in recent years, often citing political differences. The team, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, had a remarkable season, winning the franchise's first championship since relocating from Seattle.

The OKC Thunder, reigning NBA champions, haven't responded to AFP's request for comment regarding their White House visit. It's worth noting that NBA champion teams have been visiting the White House since 1963, starting with the Boston Celtics, and the 2024 Celtics were the last to make the trip, meeting with President Joe Biden in November 2024.

The Oklahoma City Thunder won’t celebrate their NBA Championship at The White House with President Trump due to a “Timing Issue”

What a joke.

I’m sick & tired of athletes/teams skipping The White House.

They were happy to visit Biden’s WH in ‘02 🤷‍♂️

✍️: @JoelXLorenzi pic.twitter.com/wuClUJikex

— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) March 21, 2026

The tradition of White House visits has become somewhat politicized in recent years, with some teams declining invitations or having them rescinded. The Thunder cited “timing” as the reason for skipping the visit, amidst their busy schedule.

The topic of triumphant teams visiting the White House has indeed become politically charged, especially after the Golden State Warriors' 2017 championship win. When several Warriors players, including Stephen Curry, expressed reservations about attending a White House reception, President Donald Trump tweeted that the invitation was withdrawn, citing Curry's hesitation.

This incident marked a turning point in the tradition of championship teams visiting the White House. Since then, several teams have declined invitations, citing personal or political reasons. The Oklahoma City Thunder, for instance, recently declined an invitation, stating that the timing didn't work out.

The Warriors skipped a White House visit in 2018 (weren't invited), but went to Biden's White House in 2022 to celebrate their championship.

Several teams have declined invites or had them rescinded, especially during Trump's presidency - like the 2018 Philadelphia Eagles (NFL).

The Oklahoma City Thunder's decision to skip the White House visit is part of a larger trend of championship teams navigating politics. Trump has been known to invite winning teams, like the Philadelphia Eagles, who celebrated their 2025 Super Bowl victory at the White House, with Trump calling them “incredible.” Similarly, the US men's gold medal-winning Olympic ice hockey team was honored at the White House before attending Trump's State of the Union Address.

The Thunder cited a “timing issue” for their decision, stating they had been in touch with the White House and appreciated the communication, but it just didn't work out. This isn't uncommon, as teams often decline invitations due to scheduling conflicts or personal reasons. The tradition of White House visits has become increasingly politicized, with some teams using it as an opportunity to make statements or avoid controversy.

The US women's hockey team declined Trump's invitation to the White House, citing “timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.” This decision came after Trump joked that he'd “probably be impeached” if he didn't invite the women's team, sparking controversy among the men's team who were heard laughing during the phone call.

The women's team had won gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, defeating Canada in overtime. Trump had extended the invitation to both the men's and women's teams, bthe women's team politely declined, stating they were “sincerely grateful” for the recognition.