Oklahoma City Thunder to Skip White House Visit

NBA champions cite 'timing' issue for not celebrating title with President

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:48pm

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The 2025 NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder will not be visiting the White House to celebrate their title, citing a 'timing issue' after discussions with the administration did not work out. The team is scheduled to play the Washington Wizards on the same day the White House visit was expected to take place.

Why it matters

The White House has a long-standing tradition of welcoming championship teams to celebrate their achievements, but some teams have declined the invitation in the past, often citing political differences with the sitting president.

The details

The Thunder said they have been in communication with the White House, but the timing of the visit did not work out. It's unclear if a formal invitation had been extended to the team. In the past, some teams have declined White House visits, most notably the 2017 Golden State Warriors, whose invitation was withdrawn by then-President Trump after players indicated they were not interested in attending.

  • The Thunder are scheduled to play the Washington Wizards on Saturday evening.

The players

Oklahoma City Thunder

The 2025 NBA champion basketball team.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has invited championship teams to the White House in the past.

Stephen Curry

A player for the Golden State Warriors who indicated in 2017 that he was not interested in visiting the White House.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Oklahoma City Thunder, Team spokesperson

The takeaway

This decision by the Oklahoma City Thunder highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding presidential invitations to championship teams, with some athletes and teams choosing to decline the White House visit due to disagreements with the sitting administration.