Clara Wu Tsai, Liberty Co-Owner and Philanthropist, Pursues Broader Cultural Role in Brooklyn
Clara Wu Tsai is a co-owner of the New York Liberty WNBA team, which won the championship two years ago and is currently competing in the playoffs. At 60, Wu Tsai announced a split from Joe Tsai, the billionaire chairman of Alibaba and her husband of 30 years, in late July. She has been increasing her presence in Brooklyn and expanding her involvement in arts and cultural initiatives in and around Barclays Center.
Clara Wu Tsai attended the Liberty's second playoff game at Barclays Center seated between artist Rashid Johnson and rapper Meek Mill, as the team defeated the No. 1-seeded Minnesota Lynx 87-71. Actor John Turturro was also in attendance at the game, according to The New York Times, which provided the sole available coverage of this story.
The Liberty, who won the championship title two years ago, advanced to the semifinals but were trailing the Atlanta Dream at the time of the article's publication, with a potential elimination game on Friday. Wu Tsai has been described by The New York Times as one of the most recognized figures in WNBA ownership.
Wu Tsai's personal circumstances have also shifted in the months leading up to the playoff run. In late July, she and Joe Tsai announced their separation. A spokesman for the couple was quoted as saying, "While they have grown apart, their divorce is amicable." Since then, she has settled into a carriage house in Brooklyn Heights, where she has been spending more time.