Mariska Hargitay and Taylor Swift recently rekindled their friendship at the NBA Finals, showcasing their camaraderie in a stylish yet playful manner. The two stars were spotted courtside during Game 4 of the Finals held on June 10, 2026, in New York City, attending the match that saw the New York Knicks pitted against the San Antonio Spurs.
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Both actresses wore matching blue T-shirts featuring the slogan “Stevie Knicks” in bold orange lettering, reflecting their shared support for the home team. Hargitay, known for her role on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” is a close friend of Swift, who is renowned for her chart-topping music career. The two were accompanied by Este and Alana Haim, who sported whimsical shirts that riffed on the Knicks name; Alana’s read “Knickelback,” while Este opted for “Knicole Kidman”.
The NBA Finals attracted a plethora of celebrity attendees alongside Swift and Hargitay. Among the notable figures present were Ben Stiller, Chrisitan Taylor, Spike Lee, Adam Sandler, Michael J. Fox, Julianne Moore, and Tracy Morgan, among others. Notably absent was Swift’s fiancé, Travis Kelce, as he continued his obligations with the Kansas City Chiefs during their mandatory minicamp.
The connection between Hargitay and Swift extends beyond their recent shared outing. Swift originally cast Hargitay in her 2015 music video for “Bad Blood,” which featured an ensemble cast of celebrities including Selena Gomez, Lena Dunham, and Gigi Hadid. During a 2025 interview on the podcast “Call Her Daddy,” Hargitay fondly recalled the experience, calling “Bad Blood” arguably the “best music video” due to the pure fun it entailed.
Adding a layer of personal significance to their relationship, Swift’s Scottish Fold cat is named Olivia Benson after Hargitay’s character in “Law & Order.” Swift adopted Olivia in 2014, and nearly a decade later, Hargitay welcomed a new feline companion named Karma, inspired by Swift’s song of the same name from her “Midnights” album. This adorable homage was shared on social media, with Hargitay posting a picture of Karma and tagging captions related to the song, earning an enthusiastic response from Swift.
“There’s something wonderful about how our lives intertwine,” Swift commented on Hargitay’s post, showcasing her delight in the full circle of their connection through their pets. Hargitay’s joyful announcement of her new cat received widespread attention, epitomising the blend of celebrity culture and personal stories that resonates with fans.
Hargitay has cherished her experience with her celebrity peers, particularly at significant events like the MTV Video Music Awards. Recalling her time on set for “Bad Blood,” she described the experience as exhilarating, stating that being part of the ensemble with “all the cool girls and supermodels” was truly unforgettable.
With their shared milestones and light-hearted moments, the bond between Swift and Hargitay is emblematic of the supportive friendships that often form in the entertainment industry. As they continue to thrive in their respective careers, their public appearances and interactions only serve to strengthen their friendship, and fans are undoubtedly eager to see where this connection leads next.