On Monday, September 21, during New York Liberty’s game against the Atlanta Dream, the annual Noche Latina took place at Barclays Center, celebrating the businesses, cultures, and stories that make New York such a unique city. The evening was part of the Liberty’s ongoing commitment to using its platform to amplify the people, communities, and organizations that help shape the city and create impact across New York.
A cast member from Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Buena Vista Social Club performed the national anthem, while the Liberty’s Torch Patrol entertainment team brought the musical’s energy to halftime with original choreography inspired by the Broadway show. The fun didn’t end there; the Timeless Torches, the New York Liberty’s 40+ senior dance team, also took the court with salsa and dembow moves.
At Barclays center all communites get celebrated with the WNBA team New York Liberty as well as the NBA team Brooklyn Nets, who are having their own Noche Latina through their 2026–27 Nets Unite schedule, which is the team’s community-first platform. “At the New York Liberty, we see every game day as an opportunity to use our platform to bring fans closer to the people, cultures and voices that make New York so special,” expressed Chief Brand Officer, Shana Stephenson.
In addition to the music and dance performances, fans could enjoy a Noche Latina-themed photo booth featuring the Liberty’s 30th-season background, connect with MIXTECA, an organization supporting Mexican and Latin American immigrant families across New York, and shop a special-edition T-shirt designed by Brooklyn-based multimedia artist Fanesha Fabre. Fabre’s dynamic illustrations reflect her experience as a Latina living in the city. “For Noche Latina, we created a special experience rooted in collaboration, from partnering with Brooklyn artist Fanesha Fabre on a limited-edition T-shirt that reflects her Dominican heritage and creative voice, to working with the team behind Broadway’s Buena Vista Social Club on a halftime performance,” shared Stephenson.
Noche Latina also spotlighted businesses and organizations from across the Latino community, including Casa Lumbre Spirits, Cork + Knife Communications, Valorosa, and Help Peru. The night also drew a star-studded courtside crowd, including Brooklyn-born actress Rosie Perez, rapper and actress Queen Latifah, and activist Malala Yousafzai.
The New York Liberty have already secured their spot in the playoffs, which begin Sunday, September 27, but the celebrations aren’t over just yet. The team will host its Fan Appreciation Game on September 23, giving fans one more chance to celebrate the Liberty before the postseason begins.