Penn Station sits beneath Madison Square Garden and is a key link for supporters travelling between Manhattan and East Rutherford. A football crowd leaving MetLife could therefore meet basketball fans arriving for a Finals game, with Midtown absorbing pressure from both directions.
The report says a Game 6 in New York becomes possible if the Knicks fall behind in the series. That scenario remains conditional, but the transport implications are clear: a full stadium departure in the afternoon followed by a major Garden event in the evening would stretch concourses, platforms and nearby streets.
Travel changes for World Cup matchdays are expected to add to the challenge. The update says New Jersey Transit access at Penn Station is restricted from four hours before kick-off, with trains heading towards New Jersey expected to prioritise passengers holding World Cup tickets.
Regular commuters have reportedly been advised to avoid travelling on matchdays unless necessary. That guidance could become especially important if basketball supporters begin gathering around the Garden while football fans are still returning from the stadium.
The congestion risk depends on results before 16 June. New York is reportedly trying to avoid a home Game 6, while the Spurs’ position in the series keeps the possibility alive.
The next key moment comes with the following Finals game. If the Knicks prevent the series from returning to Manhattan, the transport clash disappears. If not, Penn Station could become the city’s biggest sporting bottleneck.