New York Knicks defend Taylor Swift after players call her NBA fandom 'performative'
New York Knicks defend Taylor Swift after players call her NBA fandom 'performative'
Joseph McBride Sat, November 7, 2026 at 9:11 AM UTC
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Taylor Swift and her friends sat courtside at the NBA Finals (Image: Getty Images)
The New York Knicks have expressed gratitude to Taylor Swift for her years of support, after a viral video showed two players labeling her a "performative" fan following the NBA Finals.
Swift was among numerous high-profile celebrities who attended the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden before the Knicks broke a 53-year championship drought. Swift appeared courtside at Game 4, alongside regular attendees Ben Stiller and Timothee Chalamet.
During a recent NBA2K livestream, Knicks players Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride discussed celebrity supporters and suggested that Swift's fandom may not be genuine. The Knicks responded with an official statement.
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"Taylor Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years, has a long history with Madison Square Garden, and we are incredibly appreciative of her support of the organization," the Knicks said through a team spokesperson.
At Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Swift was spotted wearing a "Stevie Knicks" T-shirt and sat beside Alana Haim, Este Haim, and Mariska Hargitay. Swift also attended Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals courtside when the Knicks played away against the Cleveland Cavaliers, reports the Mirror US.
Swift also attended the Eastern Conference Finals in Cleveland with Travis Kelce. (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
During that ECF game, Swift was seated with her now-husband Travis Kelce, who is a devoted Cleveland sports supporter. Despite her claims of being a dedicated fan, Kolek and McBride remained unconvinced.
Kolek and McBride teamed up for a livestream session playing the top-rated basketball video game, NBA2K. During the broadcast, which was uploaded on Thursday, the duo were asked to identify the most disingenuous celebrity fan they had spotted sitting courtside.
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The Knicks regularly draw an impressive roster of celebrities, who are frequently invited to occupy the coveted celebrity row seats. Despite having no shortage of options, Kolek zeroed in on Swift.
Taylor Swift has received backing from the New York Knicks after recent comments. (Image: 2026 NBAE)
"At the Knicks games, I would say it's very performative because like they just want to be seen at the game. They're not necessarily fans. Probably Taylor Swift," Kolek answered.
McBride backed his teammate's assessment, who acknowledged he was "going to get some hate from the Swifties."
Kolek went on to add, "I guess she's got a lot going on, so she can't come all the time, but ... it's a little performative."
In contrast, Kolek described Stiller and Tracy Morgan as "solid," despite both stars being long-time regulars at Knicks games. According to TMZ, Swift's connection to the Knicks dates back to 2003, when she participated in a halftime show talent contest at just 13 years old.
Swift also demonstrated her fondness for MSG this past summer, selecting it as the venue for her wedding. Swift and Kelce's ceremony at the iconic arena resulted in a partial shutdown of New York City.
The pop star is frequently spotted at Kansas City Chiefs games, cheering on Kelce throughout what may be his last season in the NFL. Although she rarely appears at Knicks games, she joined numerous other celebrities who were keen to witness portions of New York's title pursuit.
Source: “AOL Sports”
