The New York Knicks have issued a statement supporting Taylor Swift's long-standing fandom after reserve guards Tyler Kolek and Deuce McBride questioned her commitment during a recent NBA 2K League video.
"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.
The controversy arose when Kolek and McBride participated in a game called "Deflected," where they answered awkward questions. After McBride scored, Kolek was asked: "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 replied. "I don't know if I've seen her at any other games," Kolek added. "Swifties not gonna like that answer," McBride said. "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. In June, broadcaster Monica McNutt said, "She's not a Knicks fan. Get outta here, girl," after Swift sat courtside during Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, which the Knicks won with a historic 29-point comeback. McNutt later apologized.
Swift, born and raised in Pennsylvania, has been a Knicks fan since moving to New York over a decade ago. In a 2014 Time Magazine interview, she said: "Yeah, totally. You realize they're not very good. I love them, though. Why does that matter?" She also recalled performing at Madison Square Garden's Kids Talent Competition at halftime when she was 12 or 13, which sparked her affection for the team and the arena.
Swift and Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce were married at Madison Square Garden in July.
