Knicks Defend Taylor Swift After Tyler Kolek Questions if She’s a True Fan

The New York Knicks have come to Taylor Swift’s defence after one of their players questioned if she is a genuine supporter of the basketball team. The response followed comments from point guard Tyler Kolek, who suggested that Swift’s appearances at Knicks games were about attracting attention rather than supporting the team.

The controversy started during an NBA 2K League livestream on Thursday, November 5. Kolek appeared alongside teammate Miles “Deuce” McBride in a video segment where they were asked to identify the fakest celebrity fan they had seen sitting courtside at an NBA game.

Kolek suggested that some celebrities attend games because they want to be seen, not because they follow basketball. He then mentioned Swift as a possible example.

“Maybe Taylor Swift? I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games,”

Photo: Getty Images

McBride agreed with his teammate, but warned about a backlash from the singer’s fans.

“Swifties are not gonna like that answer,”

Kolek acknowledged the possible backlash, saying he expected criticism from the singer’s fanbase. He later added that Swift had a busy schedule and could not attend every game but insisted her appearances seemed performative.

Swift’s fans questioned why the players had overlooked her history with the franchise.

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Following the discussion, the Knicks issued a statement supporting the singer. A spokesperson told CBS New York that Swift had been a fan for many years and shared a  connection with Madison Square Garden.

“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 has been a Knicks fan for more than a decade. Photographs show her attending games at Madison Square Garden in October and November 2014. She was seen with Ben Stiller and model Karlie Kloss. Swift performed at her Fearless and Speak Now tours and appeared at several iHeartRadio Jingle Ball events.

Photo: Getty Images

She returned to the spotlight at Madison Square Garden in June 2026 when she attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. Swift sat with sisters Este and Alana Haim, and actress Mariska Hargitay.

She wore a blue shirt with the words “Stevie Knicks” printed across the front. The outfit refers to Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks and the New York basketball team.

Swift also attended Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Cleveland in May with her husband, Travis Kelce.

This is not the first time someone associated with the Knicks has questioned Swift’s loyalty. In June, ESPN and MSG Network analyst Monica McNutt made a dismissive comment about the singer during a broadcast before Game 4 of the NBA Finals. She later apologised, describing the incident as a hot-mic situation.