Champion Pizza founder sees Knicks-fueled business boom

June 13, 2026 - 00:50

Hakki Akdeniz, the founder of Champion Pizza, says his New York City pizzerias are seeing a major business boost thanks to the New York Knicks. According to Akdeniz, sales at his locations have doubled on days when the Knicks play, with the team's deep playoff run driving a surge in customer traffic.

Akdeniz shared the news during a recent interview, describing how the energy around the Knicks has translated directly into more pizza orders. He noted that fans are coming in before and after games, often in groups, to grab slices and celebrate the team's success. The excitement, he said, is palpable across the city, and his restaurants are benefiting from the collective mood.

The spike in business highlights a broader trend of local establishments riding the wave of sports enthusiasm. For Akdeniz, the Knicks' performance has turned game days into some of his busiest periods. He emphasized that the connection between the team's momentum and his sales is undeniable, with customers eager to pair their fandom with a classic New York slice.

As the Knicks continue their playoff push, Akdeniz expects the trend to hold. For now, his ovens are running hot, and the cash register is ringing louder than ever on game nights.