WNBA Closes Investigation Into Alleged Racist Fan Behavior
The WNBA has announced that it was unable to corroborate the accusations of racist behavior by fans during a game between Indiana and Chicago at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis earlier this month.
The league issued an official statement after investigating the incident that occurred during the May 17, 2025 game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever. According to the information gathered, including testimonies from fans, team and stadium personnel, as well as the review of audio and video from the game, no evidence was found to support the accusations.The investigation originated following offensive comments allegedly directed at players after a foul by Indiana’s Caitlin Clark on Chicago’s Angel Reese in the third quarter of the season opener. Reese protested the foul, which was later classified as a flagrant 1. Both Reese and Indiana’s Aliyah Boston received technical fouls.The WNBA is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone and will continue to be vigilant in enforcing our fan code of conduct.
WNBA
After the game, Reese and Clark downplayed the incident between them. “Basketball plays,” Reese said. “The referees did a good job. Let’s move on.”
Neither team mentioned nor alluded to any fan comments in post-game press conferences, which concluded with Indiana’s 93-58 victory. However, the topic was discussed on social media, and the WNBA announced it would investigate. Players from both teams expressed their support for the investigation and the league’s efforts to be vigilant about fan behavior.
Before Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Mercury, Reese said she was “focused on today’s game” and more concerned with helping the Sky get their first win of the season after an 0-3 start. First-year coach Tyler Marsh echoed his star’s sentiments.
We appreciate that the investigation has been carried out and we hope that the league continues to take the necessary measures to ensure a safe environment for everyone, including all players. But tonight, the focus is on the game.
Tyler Marsh
Earlier this month, Reese was asked if she was able to provide the WNBA with details about the incident, but she did not offer specific details about whether she had done so. She also did not reveal what kind of comments were made, nor any other specific details about what prompted the investigation.
Both the Fever and the Sky issued statements on Tuesday thanking the league for its response to the accusations.
The Fever said in a statement on Tuesday: “We appreciate the swift and thorough process undertaken by the WNBA to investigate these allegations, which were not substantiated. At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, we are committed to providing the best possible basketball experience for players and fans, where hate speech has absolutely no place.”The Sky said they appreciated the “swift action” taken by the league and the Fever to investigate the matter. “This process demonstrates the league’s firm stance to stop hate in all WNBA games and events, and we will continue to support those efforts,” their statement said.
