‘The City that Never Sleeps’ has certainly not for a few days now. Every New Yorker was invited to attend the New York Liberty’s march up in Manhattan’s “Canyon of Heroes”, and they showed up in hordes. From confetti and streamers to huge floats and loud music, it was a celebration that the city had not seen for basketball since the 70’s. But thanks to Sabrina Ionescu and Co., a season of brilliant games and even better viewership later, the city has declared something special.

Per the official WNBA X page, “From now on, every year on October 20th will be New York Liberty day 🗽” No other sports team has ever been granted this honor, but for the Liberty, who finally won their first franchise trophy and the first NY basketball trophy in 50 years, the city couldn’t be happier.

Additionally, reporter Joe Pompliano writes, “When Joe and Clara Tsai purchased the New York Liberty for ~$15 million in 2019, the team averaged 2,239 fans per game. Now, the Liberty average 12,000+ fans per game, won a WNBA championship and are valued at $200 million.” That’s a huge $185 million difference!

After a thrilling Finals series against the Minnesota Lynx, the Liberty are shedding criticism over rigged games and controversial refereeing. Earlier today, Ionescu showed off her custom Nike Destroyer jacket with special patches commemorating the win on Sunday night. Before that, NYC’s mayor also had words of praise for the stars of today.

“At a time when the rest of the country is finally acknowledging the endless talent in our WNBA, we are proud to have New York City bring home the trophy,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement announcing the celebration. “To our WNBA champions, thank you for being a role model to our city, and showcasing the values of grit, determination, and hard work.”

When the Tsais had bought the team, they had been playing at “Westchester County Center to a crowd of 2,000,” as Clara said in their post-victory speech at Barclays Center. Her aim was to bring the deserving Liberty to a bigger stage to “give them facilities and performance and nutrition and everything that they deserved because they’re such elite professional athletes.”

The once-neglected original team has turned into superstars after 5 previous attempts at the title, including last season’s loss to the Las Vegas Aces. But New York is certainly proud of this team and comes in large numbers to support them, which Ionescu spoke about at the ceremony.

“I think I’m a New Yorker now”: Sabrina Ionescu

When Spike Lee, a big Knicks fan, appeared at a Liberty Game in a Sabrina Ionescu shirt and even gave her a high five, No. 20 told reporters, “I felt like New York was just like injected into my veins.” The city then showed up at the ticker tape parade to return the sentiment, where Ionescu took the mic once again.

“Being at this parade, able to see so many people celebrating us, I can’t put it into words what it means to be a part of this community and I think I’m a New Yorker now,” she said. When asked what her favorite part of the parade was, the 26-year-old had a hard time choosing just one.

“I can’t even really say one. Obviously I’m new to this. This is the first time I’m able to be a part of this. But just being able to take it all in, see how many people were in the crowd, smiling, celebrating with their Liberty gear, it really puts into perspective what it means to bring a championship to this city and how it really takes everyone.”

The Tsai family-owned team will now go into their offseason in a celebratory mood, yes, but also heave a sigh of relief after finally winning it. Next season, they’ll be back to repeat the feat and maybe do it with less controversy!