Spike Lee Says He’d Trade One of His Oscars for a Knicks Championship

Spike Lee Says He’d Trade One of His Oscars for a Knicks Championship

June 12, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

Filmmaker Spike Lee told CNN in an interview published Thursday that he would trade his honorary Oscar to see the New York Knicks win the NBA Finals. Lee stated he would keep his screenwriting Oscar for “BlacKkKlansman” but would trade the honorary award “in a second” for a championship.

Why would Spike Lee trade an Oscar for a Knicks win?

Lee expressed a willingness to sacrifice professional accolades and collaborations for a title. He hinted he might pass on one more movie with longtime collaborator Denzel Washington if it secured a Knicks championship. Lee and Washington have worked together on five films over two decades.

From Instagram — related to Knicks Championship, New York Knicks

According to Lee, Washington likely wouldn’t object to the choice because the actor has publicly stated he has only two more films left before retiring. Lee’s devotion extends to the Vatican, where he brought two jerseys for Pope Leo XIV, who attended Villanova University—the alma mater of captain Jalen Brunson and two other current Knicks players.

Did You Know? Spike Lee has held New York Knicks season tickets since 1985, according to ESPN.

What is the financial value of New York Knicks tickets?

Ticket pricing for the team varies significantly between standard averages and high-demand playoff games. Ticketmaster reports the average ticket for a game costs between $250 and $350.

Secondary market prices spike during the Finals. As of Friday, StubHub listings for Game 5 ranged from approximately $1,400 to over $35,000. Lee attended the first four games of the current run, traveling to San Antonio for Games 1 and 2 before returning to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Lee’s willingness to trade an honorary Oscar or a professional collaboration with Denzel Washington highlights a prioritization of legacy in sports over additional industry honors. The trade-off suggests a high emotional valuation of a championship that outweighs the marginal utility of a second award or a sixth collaboration.

How did Spike Lee’s history with the Knicks begin?

Lee’s connection to the team started in childhood. In a May interview with NPR, Lee said his father began taking him to games as a child. He attended the 1970 NBA Finals through his father’s lawyer, who held season tickets in the Garden’s yellow seats.

Oscars 2019 Spike Lee says Green Book 'not my cup of tea'

Lee recalled the Willis Reed and Walt Frazier game where the Knicks won their first championship. This experience led Lee to promise himself he would purchase season tickets once he earned enough money. In 2024, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame recognized Lee as a SuperFan.

What may happen next for Spike Lee?

If the Knicks win the championship, Lee may revisit his comments regarding the trade of his honorary Oscar. A victory could also influence the timing of his final collaborations with Denzel Washington, as Lee’s professional choices may be weighed against the team’s success.

What may happen next for Spike Lee?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Oscar would Spike Lee keep?
Lee stated he would keep the Oscar for screenwriting for “BlacKkKlansman” and trade his honorary one.

What are the current costs for Knicks tickets?
Average tickets range from $250 to $350 per Ticketmaster, while StubHub listings for Game 5 reached between $1,400 and $35,000 as of Friday.

How many films have Spike Lee and Denzel Washington made together?
The two have collaborated on five films over more than two decades.

Would you trade a major professional achievement for your favorite sports team to win a championship?