Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was spotted courtside at a New York Liberty game at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where she watched—and appeared to enjoy—a performance by the team's popular mascot, Ellie the Elephant.
During the game against the Seattle Storm, Clinton joined fans in the "Ellie Wave" and was seen smiling, clapping, and dancing from her seat as Ellie performed the mascot's signature "Ellie Stomp" routine. Videos of the moment circulated widely on social media after the game.
Clinton also met several Liberty players before tipoff, including Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu, and sat courtside alongside Liberty owner Clara Wu Tsai. The Liberty went on to defeat the Storm 95–83.
The widely shared clip titled "Hillary Clinton takes in New York Liberty mascot's dance performance" shows Clinton watching Ellie's energetic routine and reacting with visible amusement.
When Hillary Clinton appeared on the big screen during the Women's National Basketball Association game between the New York Liberty and the Seattle Storm, the crowd gave her a warm ovation. Videos from the arena show many fans cheering and applauding as she acknowledged the crowd from her courtside seat.
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Clinton attended the game alongside Liberty co-owner Clara Wu Tsai. She also took part in fan traditions, including the "Ellie Wave" led by the team's mascot, Ellie the Elephant, and smiled and clapped during the mascot's dance routines. Those moments quickly spread across social media.
Before tipoff, Clinton met Liberty players, including Jonquel Jones. According to reports, she praised Jones by calling her "amazing." The Liberty went on to defeat the Storm 95–83.
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While online reactions were mixed—as is common for high-profile political figures—the in-arena response captured on video was predominantly positive, with applause and cheers from many fans when Clinton was introduced.