ESPN Criticized for Referring to Taylor Swift as “Travis Kelce’s Girlfriend” During NBA Broadcast

ESPN drew criticism during its broadcast of Game 3 between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers after commentators referred to Taylor Swift without using her name.

Swift attended the NBA playoff game in Cleveland with Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and was shown courtside several times during the nationally televised broadcast. Commentators Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson referred to her as “Travis Kelce’s fiancée” and later “Travis Kelce’s girlfriend,” prompting immediate reactions online.

Many viewers questioned why ESPN avoided naming Swift directly, with some calling the wording awkward or disrespectful given her global fame. Social media users shared clips from the broadcast and speculated whether the phrasing was intentional.

Others defended the commentators, saying the remarks were meant as humor and were not meant to offend.

Swift and Kelce remained courtside throughout the game, which ended with the Cavaliers losing 121–108 to the Knicks. Despite the playoff result, much of the online discussion focused on ESPN’s handling of the celebrity appearance.

ESPN has not publicly commented on the criticism.