# Inside James Dolan's Surveillance Empire: Tracking Critics, Fans, and More at MSG Venues **James Dolan**, the owner of the **New York Knicks** and **Madison Square Garden (MSG)**, has long been known for his, shall we say, *assertive* management style. However, a recent investigation reveals a far more concerning aspect of his control: a sprawling surveillance operation conducted across his venues. ## Obsessive Tracking at MSG According to a report by *WIRED*, **MSG** security forces obsessively tracked **Nina Richards**, a trans woman, for two years, meticulously monitoring her movements within the venue. This included tracking when she sat down, ordered drinks, used the restroom, and took elevators. *WIRED* is using a pseudonym to protect her privacy.  This is not an isolated incident. Reports have surfaced since 2018 about **MSG**'s use of facial recognition technology. Dolan has reportedly maintained watch lists of fans critical of his management. In one instance, a graphic designer was barred from a concert for previously selling shirts with the slogan "Ban Dolan." Lawyers have also been locked out, and even a Girl Scout mom was prevented from attending a show at **Radio City Music Hall** because her coworker had displeased Dolan. ## The Extent of the Surveillance A 2025 lawsuit filed by a former **MSG** security team member shed light on the extent of these operations. *WIRED*'s investigation further uncovered that Dolan's biometric surveillance is so pervasive that a **New York City** police officer's photo was added to a face-recognition database, and a child triggered an alert at one of Dolan's properties. Security personnel are even said to patrol the neighborhood and monitor protesters, regardless of whether they are entering a Dolan venue.  ## Paranoia and Fear *WIRED* spoke with seven current and former employees of Dolan's security service and reviewed internal reports and **Signal** group chat messages. Sources describe an atmosphere of paranoia, with former **Knicks** players warning each other about bugged rooms and staffers fearing surveillance in local bars. One current security team member stated that employees are afraid to even look at Dolan, referred to as "Executive One." ## MSG's Response **MSG Entertainment** declined to comment specifically on *WIRED*'s reporting. A spokesperson issued a statement claiming the story is based on "false, misleading and unverified allegations" and that they are evaluating legal options against *WIRED*. ## A Disturbing Trend While controversy is not new to professional sports, Dolan's actions represent a potentially more alarming trend. Companies are increasingly collecting vast amounts of personal data, and executives are employing private enforcers and former intelligence operatives. Dolan's surveillance enterprise demonstrates how, with sufficient resources, a powerful individual can create their own "deep state."