During the Golden Knights’ White House visit, President Joe Biden jokes about Las Vegas luring the Eagles away from Philadelphia: ‘I’ll get divorced if that happens.’
While hosting the Stanley Cup champions Vegas Golden Knights at the White House on Monday, US President Joe Biden jokingly pleaded for Las Vegas to stay away from the Philadelphia Eagles.
President Biden, 80, concluded his remarks by congratulating the Golden Knights on winning their first Stanley Cup in their seventh season as an organization. Their victory came just a month after the Las Vegas Aces won their second consecutive WNBA championship, demonstrating how sports continue to grow and thrive in Sin City.
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‘Just one promise,’ President Biden said, turning to face the players. ‘Don’t get the Philadelphia Eagles to leave and go [to Las Vegas], because I’ll divorce if they do.
‘I married a Philly girl,’ he said, referring to First Lady Jill Biden.
While poaching the Eagles from Pennsylvania is unlikely, Las Vegas has a track record of purchasing and rebranding other sports franchises.
The San Antonio Silver Stars relocated to the desert in 2017 and became the Aces. Three years later, the Oakland Raiders relocated to become the NFL team in Las Vegas.
Following their inaugural season in 2017, the Golden Knights advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they were defeated in five games by the Washington Capitals.
The Golden Knights have made five playoff appearances in their seven-year history, including four trips to the Western Conference finals.
The Knights won the Stanley Cup in five games in 2023, defeating the Florida Panthers. Jonathan Marchessault, a left winger, was named finals MVP.
‘You’re demonstrating that Vegas sports is one of the best shows in town,’ the president said.
As a thank you for his visit, the Golden Knights gave President Biden a hockey stick and a gold home jersey with his last name and the number 46 embroidered on the back.
