If you haven’t felt the roar of 17,700 fans shaking the rafters of Barclays Center, you’ve clearly never been to one of the New York Liberty’s basketball games. But, said WNBA team CEO Keia Clarke, this was a hard-earned victory: “Shepherding this team from a 2,000-seat arena, 20 miles outside the city and then into the heart of Brooklyn, felt daunting, but it was something we did . required to do.”
Today, the New York Liberty are more than just a basketball team—they are the pulse of the city, chasing their championship dreams. Over the years, they’ve been close, watching the title slip from their grasp. But this season? It feels different. They may be just days away from a title shot when they face off against the Minnesota Lynx.
With Breanna Stewart’s electric agility, Sabrina Ionescu’s sharpshooter-like precision, and Jonquel Jones’ dominance, Liberty has turned into a powerhouse. They weren’t just playing around—they were building a legacy, one that was embedded in the fabric of Brooklyn. Leading this transformation is Keia Clarke, the CEO. From beginning his career in the Basketball Hall of Fame to leading Liberty, Clarke’s journey has been one filled with patience, purpose and a strong commitment to the community. He knows that success isn’t just measured in wins—it’s also in building a culture. Under her watch, Liberty is a shining example of what women’s sport can be: celebrated, sustainable and incredibly bold.
“The momentum we’re seeing right now feels validating to a lot of people,” Clarke said. “I even joked that for years my family wasn’t sure people would support women’s sports this big—but I always believed it. I knew we had something special.”
But success for Clarke is not just about winning games—although of course that is key. He runs businesses and fills stadiums, and grows fan bases and revenues. And his work paid off. Game after game, they filled the stands, selling out tickets, and in October of this year, the Mayor’s Office announced that the team had generated an $18 million economic impact for New York City—with tens of thousands of fans flocking to every game, and tourism boost as well.
And yes, fans want to see the cast. But the team’s mascot, Ellie the Elephant, with her signature New York swagger, is as beloved and iconic as the people she represents (she even recently appeared at an event Captivating red carpet Woman of the Year).
