Knicks Praise Taylor Swift After Players Question Her Fandom

Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride Question Taylor Swift’s Fandom on Livestream

Taylor Swift’s basketball allegiance came under fire when two members of the New York Knicks called out the pop superstar during an online gaming broadcast. On a Thursday NBA 2K livestream on YouTube and TikTok, reserve guards Tyler Kolek and Miles “Deuce” McBride were asked to name the least genuine celebrity fan seen courtside at Madison Square Garden. The players did not hold back when evaluating celebrity attendees who showed up during the team’s recent championship run.

At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative, cause like they just want to be seen at the game, they’re not necessarily fans. Maybe Taylor Swift? Kolek responded during the session, as reported by bbc.com. McBride quickly joined in, telling viewers, I would agree. Kolek admitted he expected pushback for his blunt assessment, noting, I’m going to get some hate from the Swifties. He added, I guess she’s got a lot going on, so she can’t come all the time… it’s a little performative. While singling out the Grammy winner, McBride contrasted her attendance with other regulars, naming actor Ben Stiller and comedian Tracy Morgan as examples of supporters who are usually solid.

The New York Knicks Issue an Official Response to Protect the Pop Star

The franchise acted quickly on Friday to distance itself from the players’ remarks, issuing a formal statement to media outlets to praise the singer’s long-standing connection to the team. 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 organisation, a team spokesperson said. Swift attended Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals in Cleveland alongside her husband, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, before showing up courtside for Game Four of the NBA Finals in June at Madison Square Garden. During that June matchup, she sat beside actress Mariska Hargitay and musicians Alana and Este Haim while wearing a royal blue “Stevie Knicks” T-shirt with orange lettering that sparked viral attention.

A History of Madison Square Garden Appearances and Deep New York Ties

While the backcourt players questioned her frequency at games, public records and past media coverage show that Swift’s history with the venue spans more than two decades. Her fandom dates back to October 2014, when she attended a game against the Chicago Bulls, followed by a matchup against the Orlando Magic in November 2014. Archival photos highlighted by the New York Post also capture her courtside with former Knicks stars Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, as well as posing with Jimmy Fallon in 2015. Her venue history extends directly to her music career, having performed there for her “Fearless” tour in 2009 and “Speak Now” in 2011, alongside a childhood appearance singing in a halftime talent contest at age 13 in 2003. Most recently, the arena served as the venue for her July wedding to Travis Kelce, officiated by Adam Sandler, with MSG even displaying “Just Married” messages inside the historic arena following the ceremony.

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