No sex for 10 weeks? New York Knicks owner James Dolan’s playoff strategy sparks debate among experts about its impact on athletic performance.
In a bold move that has raised eyebrows, New York Knicks owner James Dolan suggested that players abstain from sex during the playoffs as part of a strategy to enhance their performance. This advice was delivered during an inspirational speech to the team as they prepared for the playoffs in April 2026.
Dolan emphasized the significance of winning the championship, stating, “I don’t know if you understand what it would mean for you to win a championship this year. … It would be life-changing.” He urged players to make sacrifices, including watching their diets, getting adequate sleep, and potentially abstaining from sexual activity for the duration of the playoffs.
“You need sacrifice, and you need to eliminate all the distractions around you,” Dolan said. He referenced the ancient Spartans, suggesting that denying oneself could provide an edge in competition. “I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks,” he added, though he quickly clarified, “You don’t have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks – but, like the Spartans … they denied themselves, so that they can have an edge. Get the edge.”
The suggestion elicited laughter from the team, prompting Dolan to caution them, “Don’t tell [your wives and girlfriends] you’re not going to have sex, and don’t tell them it was my idea. But let them know what this is going to be like … and how they’re going to have to sacrifice, too.”
Dr. Anna Elton, a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical sexologist based in Massachusetts, weighed in on Dolan’s proposal. She noted that the belief in the benefits of abstaining from sex for athletic performance has historical roots, dating back to the ancient Spartans and early Olympic competitors. According to Elton, avoiding sex is thought to preserve energy, increase aggression, and sharpen focus.
However, she pointed out that modern research does not support the idea that consensual sexual activity negatively affects strength, endurance, reaction time, or overall athletic performance, provided it occurs at least 10 hours before competition. “Activity very close to competition may affect recovery measures,” she cautioned. More importantly, Elton emphasized the psychological aspect of abstinence, stating, “Choosing to abstain can reinforce discipline and total commitment to a larger goal.” In this context, the advantage may stem more from mindset and focus than from any physical effects.
Elton also highlighted that discussions around sexual abstinence in sports have historically focused on men, often based on misconceptions about testosterone and energy depletion. “Research has not demonstrated that normal sexual activity causes a meaningful decline in athletic performance, and concerns about testosterone depletion have not been consistently supported by the evidence,” she explained. Furthermore, she noted that for women, sexual activity might provide additional benefits, such as stress reduction, emotional regulation, and relationship satisfaction.
In a separate interview, Dr. Anthony Puopolo, a men’s health expert and lead medical provider for RexMD, echoed Elton’s views, stating that research largely does not support abstinence as a performance enhancer. He acknowledged a small amount of evidence suggesting that engaging in sexual activity within two hours of competition could pose risks to cardiovascular recovery. “Unfortunately, nearly all studies (99%) have been conducted in males aged 20 to 40, so there is virtually no data on female athletes, older athletes, or diverse populations,” he said.
Elton noted that while abstinence might offer psychological benefits for some athletes, it ultimately depends on the individual. “For some athletes, it can become part of a pre-competition ritual that enhances confidence,” she said. Conversely, sexual activity can provide various advantages, including stress reduction, improved sleep, mood enhancement, emotional connection with a partner, and relief from performance-related tension.
“Strong, supportive relationships are associated with better psychological resilience, which can be valuable during high-pressure competitions,” Elton added. “Ultimately, there is no universal rule. What helps one athlete perform at their best may not help another.” She emphasized the importance of factors such as sleep, recovery, nutrition, stress management, and support from loved ones as universal performance boosters.
Elton concluded by stressing that athletes often focus intensely on training their bodies while overlooking the importance of their personal relationships. “A supportive partner can be one of the greatest assets during a demanding season,” she said. “If competition requires temporary sacrifices, make those decisions together and keep communication open.”
As the Knicks navigate their playoff journey, the debate over Dolan’s controversial advice continues, highlighting the complexities of performance enhancement in sports.
According to Fox News, the conversation around sexual activity and athletic performance remains an evolving field of study.