The 2026 NBA Champions, the New York Knicks, are standing up for Taylor Swift after one of its players, Tyler Kolek, questioned whether the music megastar is a genuine fan of the team.
The controversy began when Kolek and fellow Knicks guard Miles “Deuce” McBride appeared in an NBA 2K League livestream on November 5, 2026, and were asked to identify the “fakest” celebrity fans they had seen sitting courtside at NBA games. Kolek answered, “Maybe Taylor Swift?”
Tyler Kolek Knew He Might Get Roasted by Taylor Swift Fans
Kolek and McBride were playing an “NBA 2K” game called “Deflected,” where they had to do well to avoid answering awkward questions, per CBS Sports, like the one asking them to name fake fans.
Kolek first dissed celebrities in general who attend games only occasionally, explaining, “At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative… like they just want to be seen at the game, they’re not necessarily fans.”
After naming Swift, who made waves when she sat in courtside seats at Game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 10, Kolek added, “I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games.” McBride agreed, but noted that Swifties probably wouldn’t appreciate the answer.
“I’m going to get some hate from the Swifties,” Kolek acknowledged. “I guess she’s got a lot going on so she can’t come all the time, but… it’s a little performative.”
Knicks Issue Statement on Taylor Swift’s Longtime Support
The Knicks were clearly not happy with Kolek’s comments. In a statement to People on November 6, the team said, “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 photographed attending Knicks games dating back to 2014. She has also previously spoken about her affection for the team, explaining in a 2014 Time interview that her love for the Knicks began after she performed at Madison Square Garden as a child.
She said at the time, when they were going through a losing streak, “I love them, though. Why does that matter?”
Swift then recalled her own brush with celebrity once at the Met Ball, telling Time, “I’ve gone the last four years. And the most normal people at that event, every single time, are Amar’e Stoudemire and his wife Alexis. I talk with them and hang with them every time I’m there. So I’ve always had this sort of love of the Knicks, just because Amar’e is so cool.”
“And also I performed at the Knicks’—at Madison Square Garden’s—Kids Talent Competition at halftime when I was 12 or 13,” Swift continue. “And ever since then I’ve had this kind of sparkly, magical opinion of Madison Square Garden and the Knicks, since they let me sing when I was a little kid.”
Kolek’s not the first person to question Swift’s loyalty, though. During the NBA Finals game she attended, Knicks radio analyst Monica McNutt was heard saying, “She’s not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl.” McNutt later apologized, explaining that she hadn’t seen Swift at games during that specific season.
New York Knicks Defend Taylor Swift After Players Diss Her as a ‘Fake’ Fan