Knicks Defend Taylor Swift After Players Label Pop Star a 'Performative' Fan
AI-generated image · US National Wire · Based on a photo by Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Reserve guards Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride questioned the authenticity of Swift's courtside presence, prompting a formal response from the New York Knicks organization.
The New York Knicks have stepped in to defend pop star Taylor Swift after two of their own players accused the singer of being an inauthentic supporter of the team, as The Guardian first reported.
During an NBA 2K livestream on Thursday, Knicks reserve guards Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride were asked to identify the least authentic celebrity fan they had encountered courtside. Kolek specifically named Swift, describing her appearances at Knicks games as "performative" and suggesting that such celebrities "just want to be seen at the game" rather than being genuine fans. McBride expressed agreement with Kolek's assessment.
While Kolek admitted that his comments would likely draw backlash from "the Swifties," he maintained that Swift's presence felt performative, though he noted she has a busy schedule that prevents her from attending every game. In contrast, McBride cited comedian Tracy Morgan and actor Ben Stiller as "solid" and more committed supporters of the team.
On Friday, the New York Knicks issued a statement to mitigate potential friction between the organization and the singer. A team spokesperson stated that Swift has a "long history with Madison Square Garden" and has been a supporter of the team for many years, adding that the organization is "incredibly appreciative" of her support.
Swift, 36, has maintained a visible presence at high-profile games, including Game 4 of the NBA finals against the San Antonio Spurs, where she wore a "Stevie Knicks" T-shirt that became a viral trend. Alongside her husband, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, she also made an appearance at Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals in Cleveland. Swift's connection to the arena dates back to 2003, when she performed in a Knicks half-time talent contest at age 13; she and Kelce later married at Madison Square Garden in July.
Regarding the players involved, the Knicks stated in October that they were not conducting extension talks with players. The team currently holds a $2.5 million option on Kolek for the 2026-27 season, and both Kolek and McBride are eligible for contract extensions.