Ellie the Elephant, the mascot for the New York Liberty, is capturing the hearts of fans in Brooklyn and beyond with her unique blend of style, charisma, and unforgettable dance moves. At nearly 10 feet tall, this larger-than-life pachyderm is no ordinary mascot — she’s become a social media star, a fashion icon, and a key part of the Liberty’s brand.
Ellie’s Grand Entrance
Before Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals, cameras caught Ellie’s stunning arrival at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Dressed in a black-and-white Nike jacket, silver hoop earrings, and a $420 Jacquemus+Nike swoosh bag, Ellie strutted down the arena’s tunnel — the basketball equivalent of a red carpet walk.
With every step, her confidence was clear. She twirled, posed, and even flirted with the cameras, turning what could’ve been an ordinary entrance into an unforgettable moment. Despite the rain, she made the umbrella a prop, striking poses and showing off her playful side.
But here’s the twist: Ellie isn’t one of the Liberty’s star players like Breanna Stewart or Sabrina Ionescu — she’s the team’s mascot.
Ellie Steals the Show
Later that night, as the Liberty faced off against the Las Vegas Aces, Ellie took the spotlight again. Decked out in her Liberty jersey dress, she made her way into the stands, prompting fans to whip out their phones and capture her every move. Ellie danced atop the bleachers, her braid — decorated with lights — swinging like a lasso. She even leaped over a railing to greet another group of excited fans.
“She’s unmatched,” said Neysa Lewis, a Liberty season ticket holder who wore an Ellie shirt to the game. "There's no mascot quite like Ellie." It’s clear that Ellie’s captivating performances and vibrant energy are just as important to the game experience as the action on the court.
A New Kind of Mascot
Ellie wasn’t always the Liberty’s mascot. The team’s original mascot, a golden retriever named Maddie, represented the Liberty in their early years at Madison Square Garden. However, after a difficult period for the franchise, including a move to a smaller suburban venue, the Liberty rebranded in 2021. With new ownership and a fresh beginning at Barclays Center, Ellie was introduced.
The idea for Ellie came from a historic stunt by circus showman P.T. Barnum, who marched 21 elephants across the Brooklyn Bridge in the late 1800s. But Ellie was designed to be far different from your typical mascot.
Unlike many mascots, which are often muscular, macho characters, Ellie was envisioned as female — embodying the strength of the Liberty’s female athletes. Ellie’s persona was also crafted to reflect the vibrant cultural mix of Brooklyn, a borough known for its diversity and fashion scene.
A Cultural Icon
Ellie’s appeal goes beyond her on-court antics. She’s made waves in the fashion world, sporting hoop earrings, sneakers, and carrying bags from Brooklyn-based Black-owned brand Telfar. Her persona is unapologetically Black, femme, and queer, thanks to the team’s focus on creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for fans. Ellie’s social media presence — with over 113,000 followers on Instagram and 178,000 on TikTok — has helped her gain a massive following, attracting fans who may not have otherwise been interested in basketball.
Her viral performances — from cosplaying as Beyoncé to participating in the popular Bongos dance challenge — have drawn praise from celebrities like Cardi B, who joked that Ellie “put me to shame.”
“She has such a huge presence on social media, and it’s allowed us to reach fans globally,” said Shana Stephenson, the Liberty’s chief brand officer.
Ellie and the Liberty's Success
Ellie has not only become a cultural icon but has also played a key role in the Liberty’s rise in popularity. The team’s attendance has surged, with a 64% increase in home game attendance from 2023 to 2024, and season ticket sales jumping 130% year-over-year.
Ellie’s energy and constant movement around the arena help keep the crowd engaged, whether she's twerking, doing headstands, or interacting with fans across the stands. Robert Taylor Jr., a part of Ellie’s team of handlers, estimates that he burns over 1,000 calories each game just by keeping up with her.
“Ellie brings a whole new level of energy to the arena,” said Arvetta Drumgold, a longtime Liberty fan. “It’s on another level. Every time I come to a game, I leave with a smile.”
A Global Star
Ellie’s impact extends far beyond the Barclays Center. Her social media presence has expanded her reach across the globe, introducing the Liberty and the WNBA to new audiences. Ellie has been featured in *Vogue* and appeared on the cover of *Time Out New York*. Her fashion-forward looks and engaging performances have made her a true global ambassador for the team.
Her success as a mascot is also helping boost the visibility of the WNBA as a whole, a league that has struggled for recognition compared to its male counterpart. By tapping into the popularity of social media and pop culture, Ellie is contributing to the growth of women’s basketball.
The Mystery Behind Ellie
Although Ellie's impact is undeniable, the identity of the person inside the costume remains a secret. Fans have speculated about whether Ellie is played by one person or a rotating cast of performers, but the Liberty have remained tight-lipped about her true identity, fueling the intrigue.
“The mystery of Ellie is part of the magic,” said fan Neysa Lewis. “It’s like *The Masked Singer* — no one knows who she really is, and that’s what makes her so special.”
Ellie’s Future
Ellie’s success has inspired other WNBA teams to consider following in the Liberty’s footsteps. Other franchises have reached out to learn how to replicate Ellie’s success, from her performances to her social media presence.
For the Liberty, Ellie has proven to be more than just a mascot — she’s become a cornerstone of the team’s culture and a driving force behind the franchise’s resurgence. With her vibrant energy, unique style, and ability to unite fans, Ellie is transforming the mascot game and elevating women’s sports in the process.
“I would go to a Liberty game just to see Ellie!” one fan wrote on TikTok. “She’s everything!”
Ellie is not just a mascot — she’s a movement.