{"id":319337,"date":"2026-08-12T08:29:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T08:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/319337\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T08:29:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T08:29:06","slug":"this-weeks-brooklyn-dribble-parade-was-a-slam-dunk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/319337\/","title":{"rendered":"This Week’s Brooklyn Dribble Parade Was a Slam Dunk"},"content":{"rendered":"

New York Liberty fans gathered over the weekend to celebrate three generations of Liberty basketball and the boom in women’s sports.<\/p>\n

Despite the scorching heat, thousands of New York Liberty<\/a> fans gathered at Brooklyn Bridge Park on Aug. 8 for the third annual Brooklyn Dribble. The event continued the WNBA team\u2019s 30th anniversary season festivities.<\/p>\n

The Brooklyn Dribble invited fans to take part in a 1-mile \u201cDribble Parade\u201d with a blue Liberty ball and matching T-shirts. The women-led drum line, Fogo Azul<\/a>, led the procession from Pier 6 to Pier 2 in Dumbo.<\/p>\n

Three generations of Liberty Players gathered to celebrate the rapidly expanding fanbase and the team\u2019s growing success.<\/p>\n

\"bk-dribble-start-line\"
\nThe start line of the Brooklyn Dribble. Photo: Emi Grant for BK Reader <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I could use one word to describe Liberty fans, it would be dedicated,\u201d said Crystal Robinson, who played seven of her nine WNBA seasons with the Liberty. \u201cThis is the best fanbase in the WNBA.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since the Liberty\u2019s inaugural season in 1997, the team has seen a 23% boost in attendance according to\u00a0Across the Timeline<\/a>. This year, the team saw a high of 17,622 fans with an average hovering just above 16,000.<\/p>\n

The event culminated in a spirited fan-fest which hosted a live DJ, Liberty legends such as Sue Wick, Kym Hampton and Crystal Robinson. Special performances were hosted by Ellie the Elephant and the dance troupes Timeless Torches, Torch Patrol and Lil Torches.<\/p>\n

Ridgewood residents and 2026 season ticket holders Nadja Anderson-Oberman, 22, and Tram Huynh, 23, have been Liberty fans since the 2025 season. Anderson-Oberman became a superfan after a deep dive into the team and its proximity to the LGBTQ+ community.<\/p>\n

\u201cI went down a bit of a TikTok rabbit hole about lesbian culture,\u201d Anderson-Oberman explained. \u201cI think I found solace in the basketball community as a staple of lesbian culture. I was drawn to sports, but they all felt very cis and heteronormative\u2026I would have loved to see all of these out, queer women\u2019s basketball players when I was younger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dyker Heights residents Eleni Ramos and Kevin Ruiz felt a similar sense of community and pride. Ramos wore head-to-toe Liberty attire to the Dribble, complete with a Statue of Liberty headband and an \u201cEquality\u201d branded Liberty jersey. They were drawn to the team because of the high energy in the stadium. Ramos also cited women\u2019s empowerment as a central reason for her fandom.<\/p>\n

\"eleni-ramos-and-kevin-ruiz\"
\nEleni Ramos and Kevin Ruiz. Photo: Emi Grant for BK Reader <\/p>\n

\u201cIt kind of feels like a really good concert,\u201d said Ramos. \u201cThe energy is palpable. It\u2019s really beautiful. Getting to see women be athletes and full people, it\u2019s incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n

A line wrapped around the pier for autographs, and a group culminated on the basketball court as people of all ages perfected their dribbling and passing skills.<\/p>\n

Hall of Famer Sue Wicks said the event served as a reunion for the players as well as a fan event.<\/p>\n

\u201cI end up just screaming, being able to see [my teammates] again,\u201d said Wicks. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to pick up where we left off; it\u2019s really special.\u201d<\/p>\n

As women\u2019s basketball snowballs in popularity, it’s clear the vibrant and accepting sense of community will be the enduring legacy.<\/p>\n

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