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 has made the Liberty stand out both on and off the field this season.

Barclays Center, Liberty’s home in downtown Brooklyn, erupts in a seafoam green celebration every time the team takes the field. Fans, both new and old, have filled the arena all season and set record numbers.

The Liberty averaged 12,729 fans per game through 20 regular-season home games, a 64% increase from last season, a team representative said.

The WNBA playoffs have attracted an even larger, die-hard crowd, 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 to watch the want to watch a movie. Freedom to 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 pivotal event: the move to Brooklyn, the cultural center of the world.

The move to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn in 2019 marked the franchise’s most significant transformation. In just a few years, the Liberty evolved from a beloved but somewhat unapproachable team to one that brimming with community energy and reflecting the diversity and authenticity of its fans.

Sue Wicks, former Liberty star from 1997 to 2002, a 2000 WNBA All-Star and current Ring of Honor member, 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 a sellout crowd when we played at Madison Square Garden, but when the team went to White Plains we lost some of that.”

Wicks believes the move to Brooklyn marked a major turning point, re-establishing the team’s bond with the community.

“New York will always be New York, but Brooklyn is the vibe,” she said. “When the team owner tapped into the Brooklyn atmosphere with the music, the line of celebrities and the fashion, (fans) started pouring into the building because it was the first authentic home for Liberty where everyone was welcome.”

The more the Liberty reflected the culture of the borough, the more fans showed up, packed the stands and proved that when you come to Brooklyn, Brooklyn will stand up for you.

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

In addition to the team’s cultural evolution, Wicks highlights how standout players have elevated 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, placing them at number one 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 players to a new level.”

“Ex-players always judge themselves against the new players,” she added, “but when I look at Liberty I feel like such a proud mother. Look at these women and what they have 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 compared to their days in White Plains. This increased demand prompted the team to open the upper bowl for every home game and launch partial season plans for the first time in franchise history.

Brooklyn’s basketball team has cemented its place not only in sports, but also in the cultural fabric of the borough.

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

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

This authenticity and individuality will propel the Liberty forward and could help the team win its first-ever WNBA Finals championship.

The Liberty will make another bid for the trophy on October 4 as they look to defeat the Las Vegas Aces. If successful, the Liberty will advance to the finals to face either the Connecticut Sun, whom they defeated 3-1 during the regular season, or the Minnesota Lynx, whom they defeated 1-3.