New York Knicks owner James Dolan has come under fire after an email some of the team's employees received following their NBA Championship victory was leaked.

The Knicks were crowned NBA Champions for a third time earlier this year, ending a 43-year drought. Mike Brown's side qualified for the playoffs after finishing third in the Eastern Conference.

They then defeated Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers to reach the NBA finals. They defeated the San Antonio

Spurs 4-1 to be crowned NBA champions, with their triumph confirmed on Sunday June 14.

Email New York Knicks Employees Received After Victory Leaks

The 2026/27 NBA season began earlier this week, with the Knicks beginning their title defence on Tuesday. Ahead of the match against the 76ers at Madison Square Garden, players and some staff members were presented with their 22-carat diamond championship rings, given to them to commemorate their success.

Some assistants were not presented with their ring in the evening, but have been told they would receive championship rings eventually.

Many employees at Madison Square Garden will not receive rings at all, though. Many thought they would get a ring after an email they were sent.

According to the Athletic, at the end of September, MSG employees were sent an email which appeared to show that they would be given rings. The email contained a graphic of two differently styled rings and asked the recipients to reply with which design they preferred.

The email, which was obtained by the Atheltic, read: “Congratulations, your Employee Championship Ring is here.

“(Employee name), this one is on the house. MSG is issuing a complimentary employee championship ring. The same jeweler, the same craftsmanship, personalized with your name. No cost to you.

“There are two designs to choose from: Championship Gold and Garden Classic. Reserve the one you want below.”

The email wasn't real, though. It was a phishing test Madison Square Garden sent to see if those employees would click. Those who did click through to the link in the team didn't get to choose any jewelry and were instead forced to attend a mandatory cybersecurity class to help satisfy some of Dolan’s growing cybersecurity concerns.

Dolan is now being blasted by NBA fans on X (formerly Twitter). One stated: "Arguably one of the worst things a sports team has ever done to its own staff," one wrote, while a second commented: "This is diabolical."

A third said: "That’s a pretty messed up way to treat people," while a fourth wrote: "What a s***** organization and absolute garbage billionaire owner."

The Knicks were beaten 106-100 by the 76ers in their season opener.