Barclays Center, the home of the New York Liberty, stands as a vibrant symbol of the team’s transformation and connection to the Brooklyn community since its relocation.
File photo by Paul Martinka
The New York Liberty is dominating the WNBA playoffs after taking a 2-0 lead over the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals. With more eyes than ever on New York’s home team, fans are reflecting on what has made the Liberty stand out both on and off the court this season.
Barclays Center, the Liberty’s home in downtown Brooklyn, erupts in sea-foam green celebrations each time the team hits the court. Fans, both new and longtime supporters, have packed the arena all season long, setting record-breaking attendance numbers.
The Liberty averaged 12,729 fans per game across 20 regular-season home games, a 64% increase from last season, according to a team representative.
The WNBA playoffs have drawn an even larger, die-hard crowd, including a star-studded “Ce’Liberty Row,” featuring big names like Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles, actor Jason Sudeikis, and film director Spike Lee, all eager to watch the Liberty shoot and score.
Though New York has loved the Liberty since the team was formed in 1997, its recent success can be traced to one pivotal event: the move to Brooklyn, the cultural hub of the world.
Relocating to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in 2019 marked the franchise’s most significant transformation. In just a few years, the Liberty evolved from a beloved but somewhat unapproachable team into one that pulses with the borough’s energy, reflecting its fans’ diversity and authenticity.
Sue Wicks, a former Liberty star from 1997 to 2002, a 2000 WNBA All-Star, and a current member of the Ring of Honor, shared her insights into the team’s remarkable journey.
“Historically, the city of New York fell in love with the Liberty team,” Wicks told Brooklyn Paper. “We also had the sellout crowds when we played at Madison Square…
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