Companies controlled by New York Knicks owner James Dolan contributed another $3 million to Strong and Safe New York Inc., a super PAC supporting Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, according to state campaign finance filings. The contributions came hours before Tuesday’s debate between Blakeman and Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul ahead of the November 3 election.

The New York State Board of Elections recorded three separate $1 million contributions from MSG Entertainment, MSG Sports and Sphere Entertainment Group LLC, all companies controlled by Dolan.

Dolan has become one of Blakeman’s most prominent supporters in the business community. He has said he stepped in to support candidates he considers “pro-business and common sense” because other corporate leaders were not doing enough during this election cycle.

Dolan has also criticized the Partnership for New York City for declining to support Blakeman and for what he views as insufficient efforts to push for lower taxes and economic growth. The organization maintains that it is nonpartisan and does not endorse political candidates, although some of its members support Hochul.

Strong and Safe New York had already launched billboards promoting Blakeman along routes leading out of New York. In September, spokesman Chapin Fay told Spectrum News that the group had raised more than $5 million from donors concerned about the state’s cost of living.

The latest contributions arrived as Blakeman and Hochul prepared for their only scheduled debate before Election Day. The candidates clashed over utility bills, crime and immigration enforcement, with Blakeman blaming Hochul’s policies for rising costs and public safety concerns.

Hochul defended her record and criticized Blakeman’s ties to President Donald Trump. The debate offered voters a direct comparison between the incumbent Democrat’s record and the Republican challenger’s criticism of the state’s direction.