Kolek Apologizes for Questioning Taylor Swift’s Knicks Fandom

Published November 8, 2026. Tyler Kolek said he had spoken carelessly when he questioned Taylor Swift’s Knicks fandom, and hoped to smooth things over after New York’s 109-97 win over the Cavaliers in Cleveland on November 7. His comments had come during an NBA 2K League livestream this week, when he called Swift’s support performative after she attended an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden.

Kolek said he had since seen examples of Swift supporting the Knicks, including an old photo of her wearing a Joakim Noah jersey. “I love her music,” he said, adding that he had been singing along as teammates played her songs in the locker room.

The Knicks had issued a statement the day before, saying Swift had supported the team for years and that the organization appreciated her. Teammates have also ribbed Kolek by playing Swift’s music at practice and in the locker room. Kolek said he knew many of her songs and described his original remarks as a misspeaking.