Knicks Organization Defends Taylor Swift After Players Label Her a 'Performative' Fan

New York Knicks players Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride called Taylor Swift a fake celebrity fan during a Thursday NBA 2K League livestream.

The New York Knicks issued a statement on Friday, Nov. 7, 2026, defending Taylor Swift after players Tyler Kolek and Miles "Deuce" McBride questioned her authenticity as a fan. During an NBA 2K League livestream on YouTube the previous day, Kolek identified Swift as the "fakest celebrity fan" he had seen at games, describing her presence as "very performative." McBride agreed with the assessment, though he praised other regulars like Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan as being "solid."

A team spokesperson countered these claims, stating the organization is "incredibly appreciative" of Swift’s support and noting her long history with Madison Square Garden. The singer's connection to the venue includes a July wedding to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and a 2003 appearance where she performed in a halftime talent contest at age 13.

Recent sightings of Swift include Game 4 of the NBA Finals, where she wore a "Stevie Knicks" T-shirt while seated with Alana Haim, Este Haim, and Mariska Hargitay. She also attended Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals at Cleveland alongside Kelce. Despite Kolek's prediction that he would receive "hate from the Swifties," he maintained that her attendance seems driven by a desire to be seen rather than genuine fandom.