Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Join today
Already a member?
Log in
The New York Knicks have defended Taylor Swift after her credentials as a fan were questioned by one of the team’s own players.
Point guard Tyler Kolek sparked a furore Friday when he named Swift as the “fakest celebrity Knicks fan.”
In a statement to the New York Times, a spokesperson for the Knicks said: “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.”
Swift was also defended by fans on social media, who pointed out that the 36-year-old pop superstar has been pictured attending Knicks games as early as 2014.
“That’s crazy, she’s been there before Tyler was even in the team,” one pointed out.
Kolek was streaming the video game NBA 2K League when the 25-year-old athlete was asked to name the “fakest celebrity Knicks fan” alongside his teammate, Miles “Deuce” McBride.
“At the Knicks games, I’d say it’s pretty performative. Because they’re not necessarily fans,” said Kolek. “Maybe Taylor Swift?”
McBride agreed, as Kolek added: “I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games.”
“Swifties are not gonna like that answer,” laughed McBride, referring to the singer’s massive fanbase.
Kolek then appeared to retreat from his stance, saying: “The Swifties, I’m gonna get some hate from the Swifties… I guess she’s got a lot going on so she can’t come all the time.”
“He’s tryna save his ass,” McBride quipped.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
The Knicks have a legion of die-hard celebrity fans, such as Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Morgan, Adam Sandler and Mariska Hargitay. Chalamet was joined at the final championship games by his girlfriend, model and influencer Kylie Jenner.
Swift, who moved to New York City in 2014, sat courtside at game four of the 2026 NBA finals wearing matching blue T-Shirts printed with “Stevie Knicks,” alongside Hargitay, Este Haim and Alana Haim.
In June, the NBA team won its first title in 53 years, capped by a game five victory over the San Antonio Spurs. At the time, newer Knicks fans were being accused of bandwagoning on the team’s success.
During game four, ESPN and MSG Network analyst Monica McNutt caught flak from Swifties for similarly accusing the singer of being a fake fan. McNutt said during a broadcast: “She’s not a Knicks fan, get out of here girl.”
The analyst faced backlash from Swifties, and she later said she thought they were off-air when she made the comment.