Tyler Kolek has taken back his criticism of Taylor Swift's New York Knicks fandom after discovering old photos of the pop star supporting the team. The pictures showed Swift attending Knicks games as early as 2014, long before her high-profile appearances at games with NFL star Travis Kelce.
The Knicks guard previously questioned whether Swift's interest in the basketball team was genuine, describing her support as 'performative'. However, after seeing evidence of her longstanding connection to the franchise, Kolek admitted he had not been up to date with her history as a Knicks fan and acknowledged his mistake.
Tyler Kolek Backtracks on His Comments
Speaking after the Knicks' 109-97 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, 7 November, Kolek addressed the reaction to his comments. He explained that fans had since shared photographs of Swift attending games long before her latest courtside appearances.
'Obviously with everything going on, people have been going back and sending me all the stuff about her going to the games', he said, according to The Athletic.
The basketball player also recalled seeing an old photograph of Swift wearing a number 13 Knicks jersey. The shirt reportedly featured former Knicks player Joakim Noah, who played alongside Carmelo Anthony during his time with the team.
'So, I wasn't up to date on my Taylor Swift Knicks fandom, so that's on me', Kolek admitted.
He acknowledged that he may have answered the livestream question poorly but said he had nothing against Swift. He also made it clear that he enjoyed her music, revealing that he had been singing along to her songs with his teammates shortly before the interview.
Q “Who’s the fakest celeb fan you’ve seen courtside?”
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 5, 2026
Tyler Kolek “Maybe Taylor Swift?”
Deuce McBride “I would agree…Swifties not gonna like that answer”
Kolek “I’m gonna get some hate…I guess she’s got a lot going on…can’t come all the time…but it’s a little performative” pic.twitter.com/r7v4AJBK04
Taylor Swift's Knicks Fandom Goes Way Back
Swift's connection to the New York Knicks stretches back more than a decade. This contradicts Kolek's initial suggestion that he had rarely seen her at games. Photographs from 2014 show the singer attending Knicks matches at Madison Square Garden in New York.
One image captured her sitting courtside alongside model Karlie Kloss and actor Ben Stiller during a game against the Chicago Bulls on 29 October of that year. Her interest in the team also goes back to her childhood. According to a statement previously shared by the Knicks, Swift has been a supporter for many years and has a longstanding connection with the famous arena.
The New York Knicks organization publicly defended Taylor Swift after players Tyler Kolek and Deuce McBride called her the “fakest” celebrity Knicks fan, stating: “Taylor Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years, has a long history with Madison Square Garden, and we are… pic.twitter.com/viQlTKb9an
— Pop Buzz (@popbuzzz_) November 6, 2026
The singer has also performed at Madison Square Garden several times throughout her career, including during her Fearless and Speak Now tours. The arena is the home venue of the New York Knicks, where the team plays its home games.
Her more recent appearances have brought renewed attention to that connection. In June 2026, she attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, sitting courtside with friends Alana Haim, Este Haim and Mariska Hargitay.
Swift wore a blue-and-orange shirt featuring the words 'Stevie Knicks', a playful reference to Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks. Her appearance attracted attention as the Knicks competed in the NBA Finals.
Knicks Confirm Her Years of Support
Kolek's original remarks also prompted the Knicks organisation to publicly defend Swift's loyalty to the team. A spokesperson recently issued a statement addressing the controversy, making it clear that the franchise appreciated the singer's continued support.
'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', the spokesperson said.
The statement came after Kolek and teammate Miles 'Deuce' McBride were asked to identify the least genuine celebrity fans they had seen sitting courtside. During the exchange, McBride agreed with Kolek's suggestion about Swift and named Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan as examples of celebrities who regularly support the Knicks.
