Last week marked a historic moment for the New York Liberty, as they secured their first WNBA championship after a thrilling overtime victory in the finals against the Minnesota Lynx. On October 24, the city celebrated this monumental achievement with a championship parade in downtown Manhattan, where thousands of fans gathered to honor the team alongside elected officials. Team owner Joseph Tsai and his wife Clara Tsai were also present to share in this joyous occasion.
As one of the original teams in the WNBA, the New York Liberty had only previously reached the finals five times without clinching a championship. This season, the Liberty finished strong with a record of 32 wins and 8 losses, entering the playoffs as the top seed. Their triumph brings a basketball championship back to New York City for the first time since the Knicks won the NBA title in 1973—a remarkable feat, considering it’s also the first championship for the city’s major sports leagues since 2021.
On the day of the parade, thousands flocked to downtown, starting from Battery Park and making their way up Broadway to City Hall. The festive procession featured floats, music, and 3,000 pounds of confetti, along with the entire championship team. The Downtown Alliance facilitated the celebration by distributing over 100 bags of confetti to buildings along Broadway for spectators to toss from windows and rooftops.
This event marked the first-ever parade celebrating a women’s team in New York City and was the first parade for a local team since the New York Giants celebrated their Super Bowl win in 2012. The last major parade in the city was held in 2021, honoring frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the most recent sports victory celebration occurred in 2019 for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s World Cup win.
The Liberty’s championship is a significant achievement, especially since the team has been competing for 28 years. In 2020, they faced challenges, winning only two games throughout the season. However, with the acquisition of the team by Tsai and support from his wife, they quickly shifted the team’s strategy, investing in their players and building a strong foundation for success.
At the City Hall ceremony, Clara Tsai emphasized their investment in empowering female athletes and creating the conditions necessary for them to excel. “The women on this team are incredibly competitive and inspire many fans,” she said, adding that “the championship should be dedicated to the fans.” Joseph Tsai expressed pride in seeing the city come together in celebration, reinforcing the championship’s significance.
Among the parade participants were Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Mayor Eric Adams. Adams honored the team with the “Key to the City,” recognizing their contributions to the community. Hochul highlighted how the Tsais have empowered women by investing in female athletes and resources needed to create a championship team. That evening, all five boroughs lit up in green to commemorate the Liberty’s championship victory.
