WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Nuggets did not visit the White House to honor their 2023 NBA championship while in the nation’s capital because of scheduling issues on the White House’s end, a Nuggets spokesperson told The Denver Post.
The team was in communication with White House officials, trying to arrange for a ceremonial meeting with President Joe Biden, but the timing ultimately didn’t work out. As recently as two weeks ago, the Nuggets were optimistic there would be a White House visit, a team spokesperson said.
Championship-winning teams in major American sports leagues traditionally visit the White House when they come to Washington for a game the next season. The 2021 NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks and 2022 NBA champion Golden State Warriors both celebrated with Biden while they were in town to face the Wizards.
Because teams in opposite conferences visit each other only once per regular season, the Nuggets’ 113-104 win over the Wizards on Sunday night marked their only trip to Washington on the schedule.
The Avs were also were unable to visit the White House during the 2022-23 NHL season for similar reasons after they won the 2022 Stanley Cup.