How the move to Barclays changed the New York Liberty • Brooklyn Paper

The New York Liberty are 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 sets the Liberty apart on and off the field this season.

The Barclays Center, home of the Liberty in downtown Brooklyn, erupts in foam-green cheers every time the team steps onto the court. Fans, both new and longtime fans, were in the arena all season long, setting record-breaking attendance figures.

According to a team official, the Liberty averaged 12,729 fans per game in 20 regular-season home games, a 64% increase over last season.

The WNBA playoffs have attracted an even larger, die-hard audience, including a star-studded “Ce'Liberty Row,” with big names like Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles, actor Jason Sudeikis and film director Spike Lee all eager for freedom shoot and score.

Although New York has loved the Liberty since the team's founding in 1997, its recent success can be traced to one defining event: its move to Brooklyn, the cultural center of the world.

The move to Barclays Center in Brooklyn in 2019 marked the franchise's most significant change. In just a few years, the Liberty have evolved from a popular but somewhat aloof team to one that pulses with the energy of the district and reflects the diversity and authenticity of its fans.

Sue Wicks, a former Liberty star from 1997 to 2002, 2000 WNBA All-Star and current Ring of Honor member, shared her insight into the team's remarkable journey.

“Historically, the city of New York has fallen in love with the Liberty team,” Wicks told Brooklyn Paper. “We also had sellout crowds when we played Madison Square Garden, but when the team went to White Plains we lost some of that.”

Wicks believes the move to Brooklyn was a significant turning point and reestablished the team's connection to the community.

“New York will always be New York, but Brooklyn is the atmosphere,” she said. “As the team's leaders took advantage of the Brooklyn atmosphere of music, celebrity feuds and fashion, (fans) flocked to the building because it was Liberty's first authentic home where everyone was welcome.”

The more the Liberty reflected the borough's culture, the more fans responded, filling the stands and proving that if you come to Brooklyn, Brooklyn will be there for you.

“This is an all-inclusive crowd. This crowd feels a vibe, feels a moment, feels Brooklyn. They’re there to celebrate all of those things in one central location,” Wicks said, joking that other arenas could learn something from the County of Kings. “This energy just vibrates differently; it hits differently. This audience comes for the basketball, which has never been better, dynamic and at a high level, but they also come for the atmosphere – the dancing, the music, the entertainment at the end of the game.”

In addition to the team's cultural development, Wicks highlights how outstanding players have strengthened the Liberty's status within the league. The talent of the team's “big three” – Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones – propelled the Liberty to a 32-8 record in the 2024 season, making them the number one team in the league.

During a recent visit to Barclays Center, Wicks reflected on watching this new generation of players compete, calling the trio the “greatest of all time.”

“The depth and breadth of talent has never been greater. “There are GOATs in my era that will be GOATs in any era, but the game has evolved across the board,” Wicks said. “We have better coaching, better footwork and better conditioning. We have all these things that have taken the players to a new level.”

“Ex-players always compete with the new players,” she added, “but when I watch Liberty, I feel like a proud mother. “Look at these women and what they've built.”

The numbers say the same thing.

Since moving to Barclays Center, season ticket memberships have increased 152% year-over-year, with the team now having nine times as many season ticket holders as when it was in White Plains. This increased demand led the team to open the upper shell for every home game for the first time in franchise history and initiate partial season plans.

The Brooklyn basketball team has cemented its place not only in the sport but also in the cultural fabric of the borough.

With increasing attendance, a passionate fan base, a commitment to the community, and unique entertainment elements like the addition of a viral mascot, Ellie the Elephant – known for her diva persona and dance moves – the New York Liberty is currently experiencing a renaissance that reflects the spirit of Brooklyn yourself reflected.

“There’s nothing better than Brooklyn, so there’s nothing better than this team,” Wicks said.

That authenticity and individuality is what drives the Liberty forward and could help the team win its first-ever WNBA Finals championship.

The Liberty will compete for the trophy again on October 4th and attempt to defeat the Las Vegas Aces. If successful, the Liberty will advance to the finals and face either the Connecticut Sun, who they beat 3-1 in the regular season, or the Minnesota Lynx, who they beat 1-3.