NY Knicks Issue Cease-and-Desist to Zohran Mamdani Over Campaign Ad Misusing Team Logo

The New York Knicks have formally demanded that Democratic socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani stop using the team’s logo in his campaign materials, stating unequivocally that they do not endorse his candidacy.

Mamdani aired a campaign ad during the Knicks’ season opener Wednesday night that featured a modified version of the team’s iconic orange and blue logo, replacing the word “Knicks” with “Zohran.” The ad also appeared on his social media accounts with the caption: “This is our year. This is our time.”

The Knicks responded swiftly with a cease-and-desist letter obtained by the New York Post. The letter accused Mamdani of misleading the public and falsely implying an affiliation or endorsement by the franchise. “The Campaign is likely to mislead the public into believing that the Campaign is affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by, or in some way connected with the Knicks,” the letter stated.

A Knicks spokesperson followed up with a blunt statement: “The Knicks want to make it clear that we do not endorse Mr. Mamdani for Mayor, and we object to his use of our copyrighted logo. We will pursue all legal remedies to enforce our rights.”

The campaign ad has since drawn scrutiny not only for its use of trademarked imagery, but also for airing during a nationally televised Knicks game — a major platform for a campaign that brands itself as far-left and anti-corporate.

Legal experts say Mamdani could face civil penalties if he refuses to comply with the demand, as the Knicks’ branding is protected under federal trademark law.