“Paris ain’t ready for this!” Remember that line from Rush Hour 3? Detective Carter had the world cracking up, and somehow, that same chaotic charm landed right in Brooklyn on Thursday night. The WNBA wasn’t ready, but Jackie Chan showed up anyway—grinning, flashing peace signs, and soaking up every second of the New York Liberty’s 82–77 win over the Golden State Valkyries. For Sabrina Ionescu, it wasn’t just another night at Barclays—it was a crossover moment from her childhood.
It happened right before tip-off. As Ionescu was warming up, reporters and fans alike looked over and noticed someone snapping photos of the star guard. “Sab, you were warming up, I looked over and I saw someone taking photos of you and it was Jackie Chan,” a reporter said postgame. “So I just kind of want to know what was that experience like meeting Jackie Chan?”
Sabrina paused, still visibly processing it all. “Yeah, I mean I can’t believe it was really him,” she said. “I feel like I’ve just like grown up watching so many of his movies. He’s like so in character, honestly probably one of my favorite actors. He’s so funny and being able to see him in real life was pretty surreal.”
Jackie was there to promote Karate Kid: Legends, but what he really witnessed was Ionescu at her sharpest—six threes, including five in the first half, tying a Liberty franchise record. She poured in 24 points while Breanna Stewart led with 27.
“This was his first women’s basketball game and so for us to be able to bring in a new fan to the game and put on a show—he was so happy to be able to watch us,” Ionescu added in the post-game presser. “I think that just shows the growth of women’s basketball and the growth of what we’re doing here in New York—and continuing to just invite more fans to the game.”
After the final buzzer, Ionescu and Chan met, posed with peace signs, and beamed for the cameras. Two legends, two different worlds, same energy.
Then the attention turned to Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello. The question: what were her thoughts on Jackie Chan being in the building?
She grinned and delivered it in one perfect line:
“I got a photo with him, so there’s my thoughts.”
And just like that, Jackie Chan—who’s worth a reported $557 million—didn’t steal the spotlight. He passed it to Sabrina. And she nailed it from downtown.
Celebrity Sightings at Valkyries and Liberty Games Heat Up the Season
But this isn’t the first time the New York Liberty and Golden State Valkyries have lit up arenas with star power. While this year it’s the Bay Area bringing in the stars, 2024 belonged to the New York Liberty.
Last year, as New York teams missed out on championship glory, the Liberty stole the spotlight with a string of thrilling playoff runs that drew celebrities courtside like never before. Legendary Knicks superfan and iconic filmmaker Spike Lee made his Liberty debut during the 2024 playoffs and has been a regular presence at Barclays Center ever since. Grammy-winning artist and New York native Pharrell Williams also became a familiar face, attending multiple games, including Game 2 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream.
May 21, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes (15), forward Kayla Thornton (5), guard Veronica Burton (22) and center Temi Fagbenle (14) huddle during a game against the Washington Mystics in the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Jason Sudeikis, best known for his role in Ted Lasso, is another Liberty fixture. A season ticket holder, Sudeikis even traveled to Las Vegas to support New York during its semifinal series against the Aces. Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony showed his love for the team as well, turning out for Game 5 of the WNBA Finals and giving the Liberty some extra star power.
But this year, the Bay Area has taken the celebrity spotlight with the arrival of the Golden State Valkyries. Since their explosive debut, Valkyries games have become the place to see the region’s biggest names courtside. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and stars like Jonathan Kuminga and Kevon Looney have been regulars, fueling excitement around the new team.
Two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry shocked fans when he declared, “I’m going to be here as many games as possible,” officially supporting the Valkyries in May. The entertainment world has jumped on board too, with Bay Area comedian Ali Wong lighting up the Chase Center’s inaugural game and sharing the excitement on social media. Hollywood star Jason Sudeikis even showed support for the Valkyries’ growth at a special launch party in Phoenix last summer.
With star-studded crowds filling the stands from New York to San Francisco, both the Liberty and the Valkyries are proving that WNBA games are about more than basketball — they’re a celebration of culture, community, and star power.
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