NBA

New York Knicks Assistant Coaches Receive Empty Ring Boxes Amid Phishing Scam Controversy

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 23, 2026, 20:52 IST

New York Knicks assistant coaches were handed empty boxes during the team's championship ceremony, while other staff members were misled by a phishing test disguised as a ring distribution notification.

New York Knicks Assistant Coaches Receive Empty Ring Boxes Amid Phishing Scam Controversy

The New York Knicks' championship celebration took an unexpected turn this week as several assistant coaches were presented with empty ring boxes during the team's title ceremony ahead of the season opener. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, left members of the coaching staff frustrated, with reports indicating reactions ranging from annoyance to outright anger.

The ceremony was intended to commemorate the franchise's first championship in 53 years, a milestone achieved by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. While the team celebrated by raising two new banners—one for the NBA title and another for their 2025-26 NBA Cup victory—the distribution of rings for the coaching staff did not go as planned, partly because the coaches had not yet been fitted for their jewelry.

Phishing Scam Targets Team Employees

While the coaching staff dealt with the logistical delay, other employees within the organization faced a different and more deceptive situation. According to reports, various staff members in business operations and at Madison Square Garden received an email last month promising them an "Employee Championship Ring" at no cost.

The email directed recipients to a link where they could select their preferred ring option. However, upon clicking the link, employees were informed that they had failed a phishing test. Instead of receiving a championship memento, these staff members were notified that they were required to attend a mandatory cybersecurity training session. The incident has drawn attention to the internal communication practices at the organization following their successful season.

Organization Responds to Ring Distribution Issues

When approached for comment regarding the distribution process and the nature of the employee notifications, a spokesperson for MSG Sports stated that the organization is not disclosing any details regarding the championship rings. The situation mirrors similar logistical challenges faced by other professional teams, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, who also experienced delays in ring distribution following their 2025 title win.

Despite the complications surrounding the ring ceremony, the franchise remains focused on the start of the new season. The team's recent success, which ended a lengthy championship drought, continues to be marked by the new banners now hanging in the rafters at Madison Square Garden.