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Report: MSG sent employees fake email offering Knicks championship rings

Thescore • October 23, 2026

An offer to select their own New York Knicks championship rings turned out to be a harsh lesson in cybersecurity for some Madison Square Garden employees.

MSG staffers received an email in September appearing to allow them to reserve one of two ring variants to commemorate the Knicks' 2026 title, sources told Joe Vardon of The Athletic . However, the email was actually a phishing test; employees who clicked the link in the message were apparently mandated to take a cybersecurity class because of Knicks owner James Dolan's increasing concerns the issue.

Most NBA team employees usually receive some version of a championship ring. However, many longtime MSG employees, and even some Knicks business operations employees, aren't going to receive Knicks rings at all, sources told Vardon.

The phishing test read: "(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."

Meanwhile, Knicks assistant coaches took part in New York's banner-raising ceremony Tuesday, but they reportedly received empty boxes that did not contain their rings. However, those assistants are still expected to receive them at a later date. Oklahoma City Thunder assistants and some executives didn't receive their rings on opening night last season either.

"We are not disclosing anything the rings," an MSG Sports spokesperson said Thursday.

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This article is one source in a clustered incident — the cluster page carries the summary, timeline and every other outlet covering it.

Knicks Employees Targeted in Phishing Test Masquerading as Championship Ring Offer In September 2026, several employees at Madison Square Garden received a phishing email claiming they could reserve a complimentary championship ring from the New York Knicks. Those who clicked the link were redirected to a mandatory cybersecurity training session instead. This phishing test was part of the Knicks' efforts to enhance cybersecurity awareness among staff. While players received their championship rings during a ceremony on October 20, assistant coaches were given empty boxes, and many MSG employees were informed they would not receive rings at all. The incident has drawn criticism for its deceptive nature, as it misled employees into believing they would receive a reward. The Knicks' owner, James Dolan, has been noted for his increasing concerns regarding cybersecurity. The incident highlights the challenges organizations face in balancing cybersecurity training with employee morale. 11 sources 28

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Report: MSG sent employees fake email offering Knicks championship rings

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