New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) signed a joking executive order on Monday, June 1, 2026, to repeal bedtimes for city children [1].

The gesture highlights the cultural significance of the New York Knicks returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 [1].

Mamdani issued the decree to allow children to stay up late for the championship series, which begins with Game 1 on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 [1]. The games are scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. EST [2].

"Bedtime is repealed! All of you can watch the finals," Mamdani said [1].

The mayor framed the lighthearted order as a rare moment of relief from the typical pressures of city governance. "As Mayor, you’re forced to make many difficult decisions," Mamdani said [2].

This appearance marks a historic milestone for the franchise, as the team has not reached the Finals in 27 years [1]. The city's excitement has peaked as the team prepares for the opening game this week.

While the order carries no legal weight, it serves as a promotional nod to the city's sporting passion, a common tradition for municipal leaders during major championship runs.

“"Bedtime is repealed! All of you can watch the finals."”

The mayor's symbolic gesture reflects the deep intersection of sports and civic identity in New York City. By leveraging the team's first Finals appearance in nearly three decades, the administration is using humor to engage with the public and capitalize on a moment of high city-wide morale.