Back in the New York groove: Delta carries championship Knicks team home after Game 5 series win

After a generational run, the New York Knicks are champions. Delta Air Lines welcomed the team back to New York with a celebratory water cannon salute as the plane landed, marking the conclusion of the team’s 2026 season. 

The team touched down early Sunday morning following their epic victory in the final minutes of Game 5 in San Antonio, Texas. 

Since 2009, Delta has cheered on the New York Knicks as their official airline partner. As the number 1 carrier in New York, Delta’s commitment to the Knicks extends beyond the team, flying Knicks supporters year-round from our dual hubs in New York at LGA and JFK.  

“New York has long been an important part of Delta’s story, and it is an honor to celebrate alongside the Knicks, MSG and our customers with this exciting win,” said Emmakate Young, Managing Director – Sponsorships, Delta Air Lines. “The Knicks’ teamwork and perseverance have been on full display throughout their epic playoff run. We share those same values at Delta and are proud to support the team at home and on the road. As we like to say at Delta, ‘Keep Climbing,’ and ‘Let’s Go Knicks!’”

Throughout this historic run, Delta has supported the team and its fans with activations and experiences to inspire and excite.  

Over the course of this series, Delta distributed more than 2,000 collectible Delta x the Knicks rally towels to customers flying through LGA and JFK, bringing the team spirit from the city to the skies for fans no matter where they were catching the game. 

For Game 1, Delta partnered with the Knicks to bring fans to San Antonio via a curated fan charter that featured Delta Gift Card giveaways, swag bags and even Knicks Legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier on board.

For Game 2, Delta borrowed inspiration from our flight attendants, who regularly pen notes to customers on board, by asking fans traveling from JFK to SAT to write good luck cards to the Knicks team — showing our support in a uniquely Delta way. 

For Game 4, Delta gave two unsuspecting Knicks fans the surprise of a lifetime: tickets to the now-legendary win in the Garden.

And Delta customers have been able to watch every play of this historic run live from their seatback screens. Delta makes it easy to stay connected through our live TV offerings, making sure no one missed a moment of the action.  

From the Garden to the skies and carrying the team every step of the way — Delta is proud to support the New York Knicks. 

With the Knicks victory, Delta — as the Official Airline of Champions — has now flown 81 championship teams across multiple sports leagues since 2000. This includes carrying the recent 2025 Champions in men’s and women’s professional basketball, professional hockey, professional football, professional baseball and college football.