Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai admitted the New York Knicks' recent NBA championship feels "embarrassing" to his franchise, but insists it won't alter Brooklyn's rebuilding plans. "Every year, some team is going to win a championship," Tsai told Nets Daily. "So it happens that this year, that team is in the same city. It doesn't make us feel very good. It irates our fan base and it is embarrassing."

Despite the rivalry tension, Tsai emphasized that the Nets remain committed to their long-term strategy. "In business or in competition -- in sports, or in anything -- you shouldn't let the embarrassment factor affect how you perform. ... [We] had a plan and we're rebuilding, and I think right now we are on a positive trajectory. So it doesn't change my thinking at all."

The Knicks' championship parade through Manhattan's "Canyon of Heroes" drew over 2 million fans, highlighting the city's strong support for the team. Peter Stern, CFO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, told CFO Magazine that the Nets hope to leverage the Knicks' success by attracting "dormant fans" and growing basketball interest in New York. "We think about mostly just tailwinds," Stern said. "We want more people loving basketball, and the Knicks' championship -- or I should say, even their deep playoff runs previously -- really activated many dormant fans."

The Nets finished last season with a 20-62 record, missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year while fielding one of the NBA's youngest rosters. Brooklyn added three more rookies for 2026-27, including Mikel Brown Jr. with the No. 6 overall pick. The teams will face off four times this season, beginning Nov. 2 at Madison Square Garden.