New York leaders rally to celebrate WNBA champions amid controversy

Mayor Eric Adams and top New York leaders has gathered at City Hall on Thursday to celebrate the New York Liberty’s historic first WNBA champions victory. The event, marked by a festive ticker-tape parade, offered a much-needed boost for Adams amid ongoing scrutiny from a recent indictment on corruption charges and a wave of resignations from City Hall.

“We want to send a message loud and clear. There are only two types of Americans: those who live in New York City and those who wish they could,” Adams proclaimed, adding, “This is the greatest city on the globe.” His comments, aimed at amplifying local pride, came as the Liberty’s achievement captivated the city.

The celebration, however, was not without its tensions. During the festivities, a segment of the crowd booed the mayor, reflecting the mixed sentiments surrounding his administration. Adams acknowledged the moment, emphasizing, “It’s about the greatest city on the globe having a bald-headed, earring-wearing mayor being able to lead this city with everyday people who make this city what it is.”

Among the notable figures sharing the spotlight was Governor Kathy Hochul, who rode on the same parade float as Adams—an unusual show of unity given their separate appearances at the Columbus Day Parade just a week prior. Hochul expressed admiration for the Liberty players, stating, “To go to the game and see these women leave it all on the floor. The energy, the ambition, the drive they had. They are an inspiration to all of us, not just the thousands of little girls who can see themselves possibly rising up to this great position.”

Prominent officials attending included state Attorney General Letitia James and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, alongside Deputy Mayors Ana Almanzar and Meera Joshi. Also present was Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a senior adviser to the mayor, who recently faced scrutiny after a search warrant was executed at her home in connection with a separate investigation.

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City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams highlighted the significance of the Liberty’s championship, stating, “The first title is always the sweetest and our city has been beaming with pride all season long. It has been over 50 years since New York brought home a basketball championship and I’m elated that our women athletes made it happen.”

The parade also featured a surprise appearance by Tim Pearson, a former senior adviser for public safety, who resigned in September amid multiple sexual harassment lawsuits and ties to a federal probe, adding a layer of complexity to the day’s celebrations.

As New Yorkers celebrated their champions, the juxtaposition of triumph and controversy underscored the challenges facing the city’s leadership, even as it took a moment to revel in the Liberty’s remarkable achievement.