The New York Knicks are standing behind one of their most famous supporters. The team released a statement backing Taylor Swift after reserve guards Tyler Kolek and Deuce McBride suggested the pop superstar's fandom is not entirely genuine.

"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," a Knicks spokesperson said.

The remarks that prompted the response came earlier this month on an NBA 2K League video. Kolek and McBride were playing a game called "Deflected," in which they compete in NBA 2K to avoid answering awkward questions. After McBride scored in the game, Kolek was required to answer: "Who's the fakest celebrity fan you've seen sitting courtside in an NBA game?"

"At the Knicks games, I would say it's very performative," Kolek said. "Because they just want to be seen at the game; they're not necessarily fans. Maybe Taylor Swift?" McBride answered, "I would agree."

Kolek added, "I don't know if I've seen her at any other games," prompting McBride to reply, "Swifties not gonna like that answer." Kolek acknowledged the likely backlash, saying, "No, I'm gonna get some hate from the Swifties. I get she's got a lot going on, so she can't come all the time, but it's a little performative."

This is not the first time Swift's allegiance has been challenged. In June, broadcaster Monica McNutt said, "She's not a Knicks fan. Get outta here, girl," after Swift sat courtside for Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, a game the Knicks won with a historic 29-point comeback. McNutt later apologized for the comments.

Swift was born and raised in Pennsylvania but has rooted for the Knicks since moving to New York more than a decade ago. In a 2014 interview with Time Magazine, she said she loved the team even though it was not very good at the time, and she traced her affection partly to her friendship with Amar'e Stoudemire and his wife Alexis, whom she described as the most normal people at the Met Ball every year.

She also recalled performing at Madison Square Garden's Kids Talent Competition at halftime when she was 12 or 13, an experience she said left her with a "sparkly, magical opinion" of the arena and the franchise.

Swift and Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce were married at Madison Square Garden during a lavish wedding in July.