The New York Liberty stands on the verge of their first WNBA championship, with support from hip-hop stars like Ja Rule, Rick Ross, and Jadakiss. Discover the cultural connection between basketball and hip-hop.
As the WNBA continues its rise in popularity, one team that stands out for its confidence and swagger is the New York Liberty. With star players like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, the Liberty has also found unwavering support from the hip-hop community, making their journey to a potential first-ever championship even more electrifying. Following a hard-fought victory in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on October 16, the Liberty is now one step away from clinching the title.
Ja Rule, who performed at halftime during the Liberty’s first-round series against the Atlanta Dream, likened the team’s success to the excitement felt at Yankee Stadium during a home run. "The New York Liberty is restoring the feeling of pride in the streets of New York," he said, adding that the Liberty’s energy is reflective of the city's sports culture.
The Liberty has transformed Barclays Center into a basketball haven, drawing in some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Stars like Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, Common, Jennifer Hudson, Fat Joe, and A Boogie wit Da Hoodie have all shown up to support the team. This connection with hip-hop has deepened as the Liberty invited artists to perform during home games.
Shana Stephenson, the Liberty’s chief brand officer, saw an opportunity to merge her love for ‘90s hip-hop and women’s sports. She successfully brought the two worlds together by enlisting iconic hip-hop artists to perform at games. Last August, the Liberty celebrated 50 years of women in hip-hop with performances by MC Lyte and Rapsody. This year, Rick Ross and Jadakiss took center stage during Games 1 and 2 of the WNBA Finals.
Stephenson also sees halftime performances as a platform for emerging talent. Up-and-coming New York artists like Cash Cobain, Maiya The Don, and Lola Brooke have performed at Liberty games, providing them with a new audience and the opportunity to showcase their music.
Maiya the Don emphasized the importance of the hip-hop community supporting women’s sports, saying, "It’s beautiful to see artists in hip-hop recognizing the greatness of women’s basketball. There’s a natural connection between basketball and hip-hop, and now women are getting the recognition they deserve."
As the Liberty approaches its potential championship win, Stephenson envisions an even brighter future for the team, with hopes of seeing icons like Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, and Rihanna perform at Barclays Center. For Stephenson, the importance of winning a championship goes beyond the title—it's about solidifying the Liberty’s place in the broader sports world.
"This is a championship we’re aiming for," says Stephenson. "It means just as much as any other major sports title. The support of fans, artists, and everyone in the building helps drive the players, and the energy makes a difference."