Trending Now - Thunder Opts Out of White House Visit Amid D.C. Trip
WHO:
U.S. men's hockey team, U.S. women's hockey team
President Donald Trump, President of the United States
Oklahoma City Thunder, a professional NBA team
President Donald Trump, President of the United States
Oklahoma City Thunder, a professional NBA team
President Donald Trump, President of the United States
WHAT:
The U.S. men's hockey team attended the State of the Union on February 7th, 2026, following an invitation from Trump.
The U.S. men's hockey team had lunch at the White House after the State of the Union.
The U.S. women's hockey team was invited to the State of the Union but decided not to attend, citing "the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments."
The Thunder's spokesperson confirmed the decision not to visit the White House during their trip to Washington, D.C.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will not visit the White House during their road trip to Washington, D.C.
The Thunder were the reigning NBA champions for 2025.
The Thunder stated, "We have been in touch with the White House, and we are appreciative and grateful for the communication we have had, but the timing just didn’t work out."
WHERE:
Washington, D.C., United States
WHEN:
The State of the Union took place on February 7th, 2026.
The announcement was reiterated on Friday, March 20th, 2026.
The announcement was made on Friday, March 20th, 2026.
The Thunder are scheduled to play against the Washington team on Saturday, March 21st, 2026.
The tradition of NBA champions visiting the White House dates back to 1963.
WHY:
The Thunder cited "timing" as the reason for not visiting the White House.
The reason for not visiting was cited as "timing" issues.
HOW:
The Thunder and the White House had discussions regarding a celebration for the 2025 champions, but ultimately could not coordinate a visit.
The Thunder and the White House had discussions regarding a celebration for the 2025 champions.
(UPDATED March 22, 2026 01:36 UTC)
On February 7th, 2026, the U.S. men's hockey team attended the State of the Union after receiving an invitation from Trump, and they later enjoyed lunch at the White House. Although the U.S. women's hockey team was also invited to the event, they chose not to attend due to timing conflicts with their academic and professional commitments. This gathering highlighted the ongoing support for U.S. athletes at the highest levels of government.
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(UPDATED March 21, 2026 17:03 UTC)
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced they will not be visiting the White House during their trip to Washington, D.C., a decision confirmed by the team's spokesperson on Friday. The Thunder cited "timing" as the reason for their absence, despite discussions with the White House about a celebration for their 2025 championship. Ultimately, the two sides could not coordinate a visit.
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(UPDATED March 21, 2026 05:21 UTC)
The Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning NBA champions, announced on Friday that they will not visit the White House during their road trip to Washington, D.C., due to timing issues. In a statement, the Thunder expressed their appreciation for the communication they had with the White House, noting that discussions about a celebration for their championship win took place. The team is set to play against the Washington squad today, marking a break from the tradition of NBA champions visiting the White House, which has been in place since 1963.