Red Panda announces his return after injury
After suffering a concerning fall during a WNBA Commissioner’s Cup game, Rong Niu, better known as Red Panda, the unicycle artist, has a message for her followers and fans: She’s back! Niu suffered a serious wrist injury after falling from his 7-foot unicycle while performing his patented act of throwing bowls at his head, balancing on his bicycle during halftime of a game between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx in July. The injury required a long surgical intervention and sidelined him for the rest of the WNBA season. However, on Sunday, his agency announced that Niu expects to return during the 2025-26 seasons of men’s and women’s college basketball and the NBA. He is already practicing again and preparing to return to the court.Before the injury, the Red Panda act was a staple at halftime breaks of NBA, WNBA, and men’s and women’s college basketball games across the country. Fans often forwent trips to the bathroom or food stands during halftime to watch Niu’s performance. Figley said Niu doesn’t have a specific return date in mind, but is on track to make his return in the coming months. “It’s healing,” he affirmed.“We are sending this note to thank everyone for their sincere wishes to Red Panda for her quick recovery from her fall,” said Pat Figley, Niu’s agent, in a memo. “It was a very serious injury and required surgery. She appreciated all the sincere follow-up. It was amazing and very touching. She really appreciates all the support. She is recovering well and is practicing. She is looking forward to performing this season.”
Pat Figley, Red Panda’s agent
