Ellie the Elephant, the WNBA New York Liberty’s mascot, has captured hearts online and in the stands, adding an exciting layer to the team’s journey under co-owner Clara Wu Tsai. Since Ellie’s debut, her unique energy and dance moves have made her a sensation, with clips of her twerking, “death drops,” and fashion statements becoming viral hits. Her social media presence alone has garnered over 300,000 followers, making Ellie more than just a game-day mascot; she’s now a beloved figure among basketball fans and fashion-forward mascot enthusiasts alike.
To really understand why the WNBA New York Liberty’s mascot Ellie the Elephant has taken the internet by storm, you need to understand how the team got to this point, and the only way to do that is to better understand the force of nature that is the team’s co-owner, Clara Wu Tsai. When Clara Wu Tsai and her husband, Joe Tsai, bought the Liberty from James Dolan in 2019, the franchise was struggling both in branding and finances. A committed advocate for women’s sports, Clara Wu Tsai invested heavily in the team and moved them from Madison Square Garden to the Brooklyn-based Barclays Center, giving them a new home and identity. Wu Tsai, who has helped shape the Liberty’s progressive culture, brought a fresh vision to the franchise, leading to record viewership in 2024 and the Liberty’s first-ever WNBA Championship win. Ellie the Elephant, introduced as part of a rebranding effort, became the perfect embodiment of Wu Tsai’s commitment to connecting with fans and celebrating the WNBA’s growing popularity.
Sports mascots have long been vital in creating unforgettable fan experiences, adding color and excitement to the games, and Ellie the Elephant is just the latest in a lineage of mascots that have achieved superstar status. Some of the most famous mascots in sports history include the MLB’s Phillie Phanatic, known for his outlandish dances and antics, and the NBA’s Benny the Bull, who has been a staple of Chicago Bulls games since 1969. The Phillie Phanatic, originally designed in 1978, is widely regarded as one of the most beloved mascots due to his comical, oversized green appearance and his propensity to playfully harass opposing players and referees. Benny the Bull, on the other hand, is known for his high-flying dunks, pranks, and on-court skits, captivating fans in Chicago and beyond.
Another iconic figure is Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers’ NHL mascot introduced in 2018. Initially met with skepticism for his unusual appearance, Gritty quickly gained internet fame for his wild expressions, social media presence, and unabashedly chaotic personality. His popularity transcended hockey, making him a meme-worthy figure recognized well outside the sports world. The San Diego Chicken, an early mascot from MLB’s San Diego Padres, set a precedent for costumed mascots in the 1970s, and his success influenced other teams to adopt playful mascots as a way to connect with fans and boost game-day entertainment. Similarly, Mr. Met, representing the New York Mets since 1964, became one of the earliest anthropomorphic mascots in sports and remains a beloved part of the Mets’ brand today.
Mascots are also effective marketing tools, often becoming valuable symbols that embody a team’s spirit and culture. They are increasingly featured in team merchandise, social media campaigns, and community events, which helps build a loyal fanbase beyond the stadium. For the New York Liberty, Ellie the Elephant not only boosts the team’s visibility but also resonates with fans, especially young audiences, by offering a memorable, interactive experience. Ellie’s stylish outfits, playful attitude, and TikTok presence make her a relatable and influential figure in the Liberty’s branding, much like Gritty or Benny the Bull for their respective teams.
Through these examples, it’s evident that mascots can play a transformative role in sports culture. Ellie the Elephant is poised to leave a lasting impact, following in the footsteps of these legendary mascots while bringing her own unique flair to the WNBA and helping elevate the Liberty’s profile across the sports world.
Ellie the Elephant’s influence goes beyond the games, as her popularity draws fans and media attention, which benefits the Liberty and the WNBA at large. Clara Wu Tsai’s focus on growing fan engagement through Ellie has brought national attention to the Liberty, supporting the WNBA’s wider mission to elevate women’s sports. With Ellie as their ambassador, the Liberty have found a unique way to connect with fans, making each game an unforgettable experience while showcasing the team’s rising star power in professional sports.
She’s a fashion icon and social media star. How a sports mascot took the internet by storm