The WNBA's New York Liberty kicked off their 30th season in style Friday night at Barclays Center—and it wasn't just the players stealing the show. The team cruised to a commanding 106-75 victory over the Connecticut Sun, but the sold-out crowd had just as much reason to cheer during halftime, thanks to a showstopping performance from the team's beloved mascot, Ellie the Elephant.
Ellie paid tribute to the legendary Whitney Houston with a medley of song, dance, and signature hijinks that have made her a viral sensation. The performance lasted just minutes, but bringing it to life was months in the making. In an exclusive interview with USA TODAY, the creative team and costume designer behind Ellie shared what it takes to turn a mascot into a cultural icon—and why she's resonated so deeply with fans.
The story of Ellie the Elephant begins in 2019, when Brooklyn Nets majority owners Clara Wu Tsai and her husband Joe Tsai purchased the Liberty from the Madison Square Garden Company. According to Liberty Chief Brand Officer Shana Stephenson, brainstorming for a new mascot started that same year. Plans were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but the concept of an elephant endured—inspired partly by an 1800s P.T. Barnum stunt that used elephants to demonstrate the strength of the Brooklyn Bridge.
The symbolism runs deeper than history, though. "Ellie" is a nod to Ellis Island, located right next to the Statue of Liberty, while elephant herds—female-led societies that embody strength and intelligence—perfectly reflect the team's values. Ellie made her debut in 2021, and Stephenson insists that the same performer, a Brooklyn native, has been inside that costume from day one.
"We have a team committed to the character and the performer, making sure there's consistency," Stephenson explains. "No matter how many times I or others go on record saying it's the same person, people think they know better. That's fine—but it's really important to the brand."
From Whitney Houston tributes to viral halftime moments, Ellie the Elephant has become more than just a mascot—she's a symbol of the Liberty's energy, creativity, and deep connection to Brooklyn's culture. And if Friday night was any indication, she's only getting started.