Liberty Owners Grateful For Fan Support
Photo: Shara Talia Taylor – NY Beacon
By Shara Talia Taylor
The city of New York recognized the New York Liberty for winning their first WNBA championship in franchise history with a ticker tape parade and ceremony in downtown Manhattan last Thursday.
The Liberty bested the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals and Mayor Eric Adams announced the next day the festivities would be held in their honor. The parade led the 2024 champions up the Canyon of Heroes to City Hall where they received keys to the city in front of family, friends and fans. “They were able to play to win,” Mayor Adams said. “That’s what this is about. It’s about the greatest city on the globe.”
Mayor Adams addressed the crowd following a drumming performance by the group Fogo Azul, The Entrance of Colors and singing of the national anthem presented by the New York City Police Department and the welcoming by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The governor recognized the coaching and team owners for their dedication to supporting and developing an elite team of women. “I want to thank the leadership organization, led by Clara Wu Tsai and Joe Tsai, who believed in empowering women, investing in them, giving them the resources they need and never giving up faith,” Governor Hochul said. “I want to thank our incredible coach as well Sandy Brondello for leading us to victory. This championship is for you Wu Tsai said to fans. Thank you for all your support.”
Speaker of the New York City Council Adrienne Adams acknowledged the team for their historic moment, making “her-story” for being the team that brought the city a basketball championship after over 50 years. She announced that the New York City passed a resolution making October 20th, “New York Liberty Day” to recognize the team each year.
The ceremony was led by sports broadcaster Ros Gold-Onwude, who interviewed the team owners, players and leadership including the Liberty’s Chief Executive Officer Keia Clarke, General Manager Jonathan Kolb and Coach Brondello.
“It means a lot to be able to bring the first championship here,” said Breanna Stewart about bringing the victory to her home state of New York. “This has been an incredible journey. We’re not done yet.”
The crowd cheered “M-V-P” for Jonquel Jones as she approached for her interview. “It means everything,” Jones said about breaking through as the finals MVP and becoming a champion with her team. “Everybody has really poured into the team to make sure we would end up being successful. Now we have the ultimate prize.”
Mayor Adams gave the Liberty their keys to the city with the help of Girl Scouts Troop 6000 at the end of the celebration. The Liberty’s beloved mascot, Ellie the Elephant, then joined the WNBA champions on stage and danced to Ciara’s song “Level Up”. The ceremony concluded as the team was showered with confetti. The celebrations continued in Brooklyn at Barclays Center later that evening.
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