The $1,000 was gone in a flash.

Or better yet, a flashbulb  – as New York Knicks fans gladly paid the grand to take a photograph alongside NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson after he delivered the team’s first championship in 53 years.

The cost to do so at Fanatics Fest, a four-day sports convention in Manhattan, was $937 plus fees. When they went on sale last month, some on social media criticized the exorbitant price for an interaction that lasts only seconds longer than the flash of the camera.

But they quickly sold out.

Fanatics Fest prices for taking a photo with Knicks players:

Jalen Brunson ($935)
KAT ($338)
Josh Hart ($283)
Mikal Bridges ($283)
Mitchell Robinson ($169)
Jose Alvarado ($169)
Landry Shamet ($142)

I guarantee these will sell out. These are very affordable for Knicks fans.

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 22, 2026

And the fans who bought them happily lined up Thursday to have a photographer take their picture next to Brunson for a moment that they called priceless.

“It was so worth it. Every penny, every cent,” said Murielle Georges of New Jersey as she wore an orange Knicks jumpsuit and held up the 8×10 photograph of her and Brunson. “You only live once, make it the best.”

Daniel Rahimi of Queens, New York, called it a once-in-a-lifetime experience – even while admitting his interaction was as brief as he expected and that the cost should have been lower.

“There are superfans like me that do things like that,” he said. “But I mean, look, everybody knows how to handle their money. So, I obviously made that decision for myself. If anybody doesn’t want to do that, take the photo, spend that much money, then I get it, and I think you gotta respect that.” 

For others, the cost of their photo with Brunson made up only a portion of the day’s expenses. Some traveled across the country just to take the picture.

“Listen, in my life, I’ve spent a lot of money on stupid stuff,” said Richie Ortiz, a lifelong Knicks fan who traveled from Tampa, Florida. “And I would say more than anything, this is something that I got to do with my wife, and you can get these memories. It’s priceless.”

Paul Dey —  who flew in from San Diego, California, to join his brother Joel, who traveled from Fort Lauderdale, Florida – called it worthwhile and is already planning a return trip with his photo.

“Maybe next year [I] come back and get it signed,” he said.

Added Joel: “I bought it in a second. When are you gonna meet him that close?”

Even if only for a few seconds.

“He’s like a god to us, a sports god,” said Mark Glazman of Rumson, New Jersey – who was joined by his son and brother. “It was worth it. It’s a lot of money. I understand anybody who can’t swing it, but we were fortunate enough, and it was a great experience.”

Just as it was for younger fans.

Twin boys Aiden and Noah Covrigaru, 6, said they have been waiting their entire lives to meet Brunson, and finally got the opportunity to tell him he’s their hero.

“Look at the smiles on their face, they’re so happy,” said their father Matt. “It was a dream come true for them.”

But why didn’t Matt and the twins’ mom Dana get in the photo with them and Brunson?

“Because our oldest son is at sleepaway camp, and it didn’t feel right,” Dana said with a laugh.

The Knicks championship parade took over the entire city today, with throngs of fans lining the streets of lower Manhattan in a celebration for the ages. NBC New York has team coverage.

One Knicks fan on line was sleeping when it was his time to have his photo taken with Brunson. Understandable, since he is only 2 months old.

But Brooks Thomas Cenar, who was born on May 6 and had to wait an entire five weeks before the Knicks finally won a title, came through in the clutch like Brunson.

“He just woke up in time for the photo,” said his father Tom. “He opened his eyes just in time to see Jalen himself.”

Brooks wore a No. 11 jersey onesie in the photo with his Brunson, his dad and his mom Kaitlin.

“Once in a lifetime experience, and grateful to be able to experience it with our son,” Tom said.

And the cost doesn’t matter when the moment is priceless.

“I don’t think you can put a price tag on memories,” Kaitlin said, “especially after winning the championship this year.”