Knicks defend Taylor Swift after players question her fandom

The New York Knicks defended Taylor Swift on Friday after two of their players suggested the pop star was a “performative” fan who attended games to be seen rather than to support the team.

Reserve guards Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride made the comments during an NBA 2K livestream on Thursday, when they were asked to name the least authentic celebrity fan they had seen at a game.

“At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative because like they just want to be seen at the game,” Kolek said. “They’re not necessarily fans. Probably Taylor Swift.” McBride agreed.

Kolek acknowledged that the answer might upset Swift’s supporters. “I’m going to get some hate from the Swifties,” he said. “I guess she’s got a lot going on, so she can’t come all the time, but… it’s a little performative.” McBride described actor Ben Stiller and comedian Tracy Morgan as “solid” Knicks fans.

The team rejected the suggestion that Swift’s support was not genuine. “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.

Swift attended Game 3 of this year’s Eastern Conference finals in Cleveland and Game 4 of the NBA Finals in New York. At the Finals game, she sat with actor Mariska Hargitay and musicians Alana and Este Haim. The group wore blue shirts bearing Knicks-themed wordplay, including “Stevie Knicks,” “Knickelback” and “Knickole Kidman.”

The Guardian reported that Swift attended the Cleveland game with her husband, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and that she watched OG Anunoby score a last-second tip-in at the Finals game to secure a New York victory.

Her appearances at Knicks games predate this year’s playoffs. The BBC reported that she attended games against the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic in 2014. She has also performed at Madison Square Garden during her Fearless tour in 2009 and Speak Now tour in 2011. According to The Guardian, she first performed at the arena in 2003, when she was 13, during a Knicks halftime talent contest.

Swift and Kelce married at Madison Square Garden in July. The BBC reported that actor Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony and that both wore Christian Dior. Swift’s brother Austin served as her man of honor, while Kelce’s brother Jason was his best man.

The Guardian reported that both Kolek and McBride are eligible for contract extensions, though the Knicks said in October that they were not holding extension talks with players. The team holds a $2.5 million option on Kolek for the 2026-27 season.