The New York Knicks have released a statement supporting Taylor Swift's fandom after recent comments from reserve guards Tyler Kolek and Deuce McBride. "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," a Knicks spokesperson said.
Earlier this month, Kolek called Swift's fandom "a little performative" during an NBA 2K League video. Kolek and McBride were playing a game called "Deflected," where they compete in NBA 2K to avoid answering awkward questions. After McBride scored, Kolek had to answer: "Who's the fakest celebrity fan you've seen sitting courtside in an NBA game?" "At the Knicks games, I would say it's very performative," Kolek said. "Because they just want to be seen at the game; they're not necessarily fans. Maybe Taylor Swift?" "I would agree," McBride said. "I don't know if I've seen her at any other games," Kolek added. "Swifties not gonna like that answer," McBride replied. "No, I'm gonna get some hate from the Swifties," Kolek acknowledged. "I get she's got a lot going on, so she can't come all the time, but it's a little performative."
This is not the first time Swift's Knicks fandom has been questioned. Broadcaster Monica McNutt said in June after Swift sat courtside during Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, "She's not a Knicks fan. Get outta here, girl," but later apologized. Swift was born and raised in Pennsylvania but has been a Knicks fan since moving to New York over a decade ago. In a 2014 Time Magazine interview, she said, "You recently moved to New York. Are you a Knicks fan now? Yeah, totally. You realize they're not very good. I love them, though." She also recalled performing at Madison Square Garden's Kids Talent Competition at age 12 or 13, which sparked her connection to the team and the arena.
