On June 3, 2025, the NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden have drawn intense scrutiny over celebrity sightings, echoing the Taylor Swift-driven NFL buzz of 2024.
As reported by ESPN, former NBA player Austin Rivers defended the trend on his Off Guard podcast, arguing that stars like Dua Lipa could boost the league’s appeal, despite fan pushback.
According to The Athletic, high-profile attendees, ranging from Spike Lee, a devoted Knicks fan since 1985, to Dua Lipa, who attended a Knicks game in 2023, have heightened excitement for the playoffs. However, this has also reflected growing fan frustration, similar to the backlash witnessed in the 2023 NFL season regarding Taylor Swift’s presence at Chiefs games. Rivers responded by saying, “It’s never a bad thing,” highlighting the positive impact Swift has had.
Dua Lipa ignites Madison Square Garden frenzy as she steps into Taylor Swift’s NBA spotlight https://t.co/OTslWS8T97
— M Sports (@MSports_all) June 3, 2025Taylor Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce has significantly increased NFL viewership. The 2025 Super Bowl attracted a record 49% female audience, totalling 58.8 million viewers, along with a 10% rise in viewers aged 18-34. The NFL’s TikTok account gained over 50% more female followers, contributing an additional $1 billion in brand value. Meanwhile, Kelce’s Instagram following surged from 2.7 million to 6.7 million.
According to Yahoo Sports, Rivers suggested a similar celebrity spark, joking about Dua Lipa marrying an NBA player.
Dua Lipa and NBA’s Future
Dua Lipa has 87.5 million Instagram followers and generated $89.3 million from her recent tour, highlighting her significant influence in attracting younger fans. People report that her appearance at a Knicks game in 2023 alongside Mark Ronson showcases her interest in basketball. Additionally, the Guardian notes that the trend of celebrities attending Knicks playoff games reinforces the NBA’s efforts to enhance its cultural relevance.
The debate among celebrity fans during the NBA playoffs highlights the tension between tradition and growth. Austin Rivers, on his podcast, advocates for a broader appeal to attract more viewers. The idea of Dua Lipa’s influence on the NBA is gaining traction, similar to how Taylor Swift’s impact on the NFL has shown that celebrities can reshape viewership and increase the league’s global reach by 2025.
