KnicksMania

Knicks Mania - a massive cultural phenomenon and intense state of collective euphoria and anxiety surrounding the New York Knicks during their dominant playoff runs (New York Post)

The Crosstown Express Tour (CTE)

The Problem

New York has 8.5 million residents - Madison Square Garden has 19,500. The question: how can we reach the millions of New Yorkers who won't go to the World's Most Famous Arena.

The 2026 Crosstown Express

THE RESOLUTION - the crosstown express

For the past four years, Hoopbus has helped bridge the gap by traveling through the five boroughs, bringing the action to the streets. At every stop, we invite people into The Octagon - the court created wherever we park - the city’s arena.

Whether it’s on the side of the road, at a park, or a delivery rider passing by, our hoops are for all. The only price of admission to the bus? Make a shot and earn your bus pass.

Each year, as the Knicks moved closer to hanging another banner, Hoopbus raised the bar alongside them. We installed basketball-leather seats, added an arcade, invited legendary artists to leave their mark on the bus, and created unforgettable experiences throughout the city.

Mad Steez - master muralist - painting the 2026 Crosstown Express.

By the time the Knicks hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy, Hoopbus had reached half a million New Yorkers - giving each of them a piece of the championship journey.

Photo By: Shuran Huang

Little Legends

Baby Clarkson

Baby Clarkson (holding the ball) won the Clarkson look-alike challenge in Washington Square Park. He created the @babyclarksons account now followed by Jordan Clarkson himself.

Hoopbus is great and fun way to get people together and to showcase talent! I’m glad I was able to be a part of one of the events Hoopbus hosted Knicks 4life!
— Baby Clarkson and Fam

Flyer for the event June 1st

PJ

@uniquelypjw can do it all! Welcome the newest member to the Hoopbus Team

PJ at a Knicks Watch Party at SummerStage in Central Park.

New York Youth

This year’s campaign reached 20 schools, building on the relationships Hoopbus has developed in NY schools over the years. At the heart of HB is a commitment to investing in the next generation of change-makers - teaching each kid that teamwork makes the dreamwork and to dream beautiful and unusual. Together with the Knicks, we have introduced thousands of young people to the game and created new opportunities for basketball to become a meaningful part of their lives.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come visit IS.10. We really enjoyed The Hoopbus and watching Mr. Torres getting his ankled broken was pretty funny. Thank you for being an inspiration to us kids!!! We hope to be as awesome and cool as you guys one day.
— I.S.10 Student

Students thank you cards sent to Hoopbus

“Let’s go RiRi!”

A$AP at the bus

The city truly didn’t sleep after New York took Game 4. When OG’s tip dropped, the streets erupted like the Knicks had already won the ‘chip.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were with us in the Lower East Side, her shot created the viral “Let’s Go, RiRi!” video.

Hoopbus WAS the news.

As a primary conductor of energy on the ground - Hoopbus created many memorable moments in the Playoff run. Jimmy Kimmel covered Kid the Wiz sweeping at the bus on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Jimmy Kimmel Live! covering fans in New York after Game 2.

Stay tuned…

We’re not done yet! Keep an eye out for our next project to celebrate the Knicks 2026 Championship coming to your borough.

Special Thanks

Producers: Jeremy Kaplan, Giovanni Ascuntar, Coco Barton, Ella Ragsdale and Gaby Kolfer

NY Crew: Zay, Tish, Leaky Roof, TY, Clyde aka GaurdDaFatBoy, Majesty Da Rebel, Carp aka Da BusDriver, Cole Holiday, Juju, Tray, Chuck & Alia  

Photos: Charlie Treymasters

Bus mural: Mad Steez

Written By: Coco Barton

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