Government

Kiosks turn NY sidewalks into watch parties

Rafael Henrique - stock.adobe.com

June 15, 2026

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New York City expanded its use of the LinkNYC network to celebrate the New York Knicks' NBA Finals run, according to a press release, with 130 kiosks across all five boroughs would stream Game 5 of the championship series. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the initiative followed a successful Game 4 broadcast on dozens of LinkNYC screens, marking the first time live sports programming had been shown on the city's kiosk network. The city partnered with LinkNYC and the NBA to make the broadcasts available in public spaces, turning sidewalks and gathering spots into impromptu watch parties.

The announcement came after large crowds gathered around LinkNYC kiosks to watch Game 4 earlier in the week. City officials said the expanded broadcast was intended to give fans throughout New York access to the Finals regardless of whether they could attend a game or a formal watch party. The kiosks, which typically provide free Wi-Fi, wayfinding and public information services, were temporarily repurposed to deliver the live game feed across the city.

The Knicks ultimately rewarded fans' enthusiasm by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 on June 13, according to a Newsday report, capturing the NBA championship and ending a title drought that stretched back more than five decades. The victory gave New York a 4-1 series win and sparked celebrations throughout the city.