NBA Stars Kyrie Irving and Victor Wembanyama Support Calls to Arrest Netanyahu in New York

The upcoming visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September has sparked controversy extending into the NBA. New York City Mayor Eric Adams posted a video calling on the U.S. federal government to arrest Netanyahu based on an International Criminal Court warrant. This statement, widely criticized as antisemitic, was publicly supported by two prominent NBA players: Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving and San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who both liked the video online.

Mayor Adams, who had previously pledged during his campaign to arrest Netanyahu if he came to New York, later acknowledged that local authorities lack the legal authority to carry out such an arrest. Nevertheless, he labeled Netanyahu a "war criminal" and urged federal action. The video and Adams's remarks generated significant backlash, but attention quickly shifted to Irving and Wembanyama's endorsements, which many interpreted as backing the call to detain the Israeli prime minister.

Kyrie Irving has a history of controversial statements and actions critical of Israel, including sharing antisemitic content on social media and refusing to apologize for it. In contrast, Victor Wembanyama's involvement surprised many, as the young French center is considered a rising star in the league who had previously avoided political controversies. The incident highlights the intersection of sports and international politics amid heightened tensions surrounding Netanyahu's UN visit.