Technology

Kiosks turn NYC sidewalks into watch parties

Rafael Henrique - stock.adobe.com

June 29, 2026

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New York City expanded its use of the LinkNYC network to celebrate the New York Knicks' NBA Finals run, according to a press release, with 130 kiosks across all five boroughs streaming Game 5 of the championship series.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the initiative followed a successful Game 4 broadcast on dozens of LinkNYC screens, marking the first time live sports programming had been shown on the city's kiosk network. The city partnered with LinkNYC and the NBA to make the broadcasts available in public spaces, turning sidewalks and gathering spots into impromptu watch parties.

City officials said the expanded broadcast was intended to give fans throughout New York access to the Finals regardless of whether they could attend a game or a formal watch party. The kiosks, which typically provide free Wi-Fi, wayfinding and public information services, were temporarily repurposed to deliver the live game feed across the city.