Nets owner calls Knicks championship 'embarrassing' to franchise

Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai acknowledged Tuesday that the New York Knicks' NBA championship is "embarrassing" to his franchise, though he said the feeling will not change the team's long-term strategy.

The Knicks won their first title in 53 years by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the 2026 NBA Finals. It marked the franchise's third championship in its history, following titles in 1970 and 1973.

In an interview with NetsDaily, Tsai said the Knicks' success in the same city as the Nets creates discomfort for Brooklyn's organization and supporters. "Every year, some team is going to win a championship," Tsai said. "So it happens that this year, that team is in the same city. It doesn't make us feel very good. It irates our fan base and it is embarrassing."

Despite acknowledging the uncomfortable position, Tsai stressed that the Nets will not deviate from their current approach. "But in business or in competition -- in sports, or in anything -- you shouldn't let the embarrassment factor affect how you perform," he said. "We had a plan and we're rebuilding, and I think right now we are on a positive trajectory. So it doesn't change my thinking at all."

The Nets have not returned to the NBA Finals since 2003. Since that time, the franchise has reached the second round of the playoffs only twice, in 2014 and 2021, despite fielding rosters that included Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden simultaneously at one point.

Tsai said he remains committed to building the Nets' fanbase in New York as part of the team's rebuilding effort.