New York Knicks Sue Bootleg Merchandise Sellers

Lawsuit seeks to halt unauthorized sales outside Madison Square Garden

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Knicks have filed a federal lawsuit against dozens of unidentified vendors and companies who have been unlawfully selling merchandise bearing the team's federally registered trademarks outside of Madison Square Garden during the 2025-2026 season. The lawsuit alleges the defendants' conduct violates the Lanham Act, New York business law, and common law prohibitions on unfair competition.

Why it matters

The Knicks are seeking to protect their valuable intellectual property and brand from unauthorized use, which can undermine legitimate merchandise sales and confuse fans. Cracking down on bootleg merchandise is a common tactic for professional sports teams to maintain control over their brand and licensing partnerships.

The details

According to the complaint, the defendants have been selling counterfeit Knicks merchandise outside of the team's home arena, Madison Square Garden, during the current NBA season. The Knicks are asking the court to order the seizure of the bootleg goods and award damages for lost income due to the unlawful sales.

  • The lawsuit was filed on February 19, 2026.

The players

MSG Sports LLC

The parent company that owns the New York Knicks basketball team.

New York Knicks LLC

A subsidiary of MSG Sports that owns the Knicks franchise.

Dozens of unidentified vendors and companies

The defendants named in the Knicks' lawsuit who have allegedly been selling counterfeit Knicks merchandise outside of Madison Square Garden.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The court will consider the Knicks' request for an injunction to halt the unauthorized merchandise sales and order the seizure of the counterfeit goods.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenge for professional sports teams to protect their valuable intellectual property and brand from bootleg merchandise sellers who undercut legitimate sales and confuse fans.