Nearly impossible to ignore, the words “Liberty” and “champions” have echoed across New York City since the New York Liberty clinched its first championship title in 28 years last week.
The city celebrated the victory with seafoam green displays lighting up landmarks and an emotional ticker-tape parade through Manhattan’s streets.
For Brooklyn, the Liberty’s remarkable victory is more than just a win — it’s a revival. Fans who have poured their hearts and souls into supporting the team are filled with pride and awe.
To mark this moment, Brooklyn Paper spoke with devoted supporters at last week’s parade and subsequent Barclays Center celebration, all of whom were eager to share their love for Liberty.
“We made history. This means everything. Thank you for bringing it home, and let’s do it again next year,” said Tia, a fan since 1998. “This means everything for women’s sports. Let’s bring another championship to New York.”
“This is awesome. I really enjoyed the whole series. This win means a lot for the city,” a fan named Miguel said, reflecting on the impactful series. “We needed something like this. Keep on winning. Keep on having fun and bring another title next year.”
The New York Liberty, founded in 1997 as one of the original eight teams in the WNBA, has experienced a rollercoaster of seasons over its more than two-decade-long history. Liberty was a frontrunner in the early years, clinching the Eastern Conference title four times in the late 90s and early 2000s. But the franchise faltered in its quest for the ultimate prize.
The team’s historic triumph over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals on Oct. 20 ended a 51-year drought in New York City professional basketball championships.
An ecstatic fan named Teresa said she was one of the countless fans in the stands Thursday considered “down since day one,” staying with the team through near-victories, disappointing losses and, of course, its monumental move to Brooklyn.
“Twenty-eight years,” she told Brooklyn Paper. “This is for us.”
“This is a big moment for the team, the city, and the franchise,” said Chaz, a spectator who donned a vintage Teresa Weatherspoon jersey at Thursday’s ticker-tape parade. “Let’s do it again next year.”
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As the celebrations reached new heights, fan Nate Malone reflected on the importance of the championship win.
“This is everything,” he said. “This means everything to the city.”
When asked what they’d write in a love letter to the New York Liberty, fans all agreed on one sentiment: gratitude.
“Thank you so much for your dedication,” a young basketball enthusiast said at the Barclays Center fan celebration. “You made your home crowd so proud.”
“Dear Liberty, thank you so much,” another fan told Brooklyn Paper. “You’re an inspiration for the girls here, for everyone, and for representing our big city and everyone in it. You’ve given everyone hope.”
From social media celebrations to joyful gatherings at local spots, the Liberty’s victory has united the community under a banner of pride. As Brooklyn revels in the glory of the Liberty’s achievements, this love letter is a tribute to a team that has transformed the court and inspired the city.
The road ahead is filled with anticipation, but one thing is certain: the dedicated supporters of the New York Liberty will be there, cheering them on and ready to celebrate whatever comes next.
“Let’s get another one,” Malone said.
