However, the team hasn’t played in the iconic arena for three years, playing in Westchester County Center in 2018 and 2019, in the WNBA ‘wubble’ in 2020, and now in the Brooklyn Barclays Center.
With the change comes a new mascot: Ellie, the Elephant. The introduction is part of the organization’s marketing efforts around its 25th anniversary. In announcing the new mascot, the team mentions that P.T. Barnum marched 21 elephants across the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883 as a way to alleviate concerns about the bridge’s safety.
“Elephants represent strength, power, wisdom, and determination,” according to the Liberty. “They are also praised for their longevity, stamina, cooperative spirit, and loyalty–all attributes that are synonymous with the New York Liberty’s journey to Brooklyn, the players and loyal fans.”
Maddie isn’t fully retired and will make special appearances, according to the Liberty.