WNBA Closes Investigation into Alleged Racist Comments at Game
The WNBA announced this Tuesday that it could not corroborate a report about racist behavior by fans during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis earlier this month.
“We have investigated the report regarding the racist behavior of fans near the court during the May 17, 2025 game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever,” the league stated in a statement.
WNBA
The league added that, based on the information gathered to date, including that of relevant fans, team and stadium personnel, as well as the review of audio and video of the match, the report could not be corroborated.
The WNBA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all and will continue to be vigilant in enforcing its fan code of conduct. The WNBA’s investigation focused on what was described as “hate comments” from fans, allegedly made after Indiana’s Caitlin Clark fouled 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 after Reese confronted Clark and Boston intervened to separate the players.
After the match, Reese and Clark, who were facing each other for the seventh time in their growing rivalry, downplayed the incident.
“Basketball game,” Reese said. “The referees did a good job. Let’s move on.”
Angel Reese
Neither team mentioned or alluded to any fan comments in the post-game press conferences, in which Indiana won 93-58. 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 attentive to the behavior of the fans.Reese avoided answering questions about the investigation before Tuesday night’s game against the Phoenix Mercury, stating that 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 the feelings of his star.
“We appreciate that the investigation has been carried out and we hope that the league will continue to take the necessary measures to ensure a safe environment for everyone, including all players,” Marsh said. “But tonight, the focus is on the game.”
Tyler Marsh
Reese was asked earlier this month 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 details about what prompted the investigation.
Both Fever and Sky issued statements on Tuesday thanking the league for its response to the accusations.
The Fever said in a statement that they appreciated the “swift and thorough process undertaken by the WNBA to investigate these allegations, which were not substantiated.” They added that at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, they are committed to providing the best possible basketball experience for players and fans, where hate speech has no place. Sky said they appreciated the “swift action” taken by the league and the Fever to investigate the matter.Her statement said that this process demonstrates the league’s firm stance to stop hate in all WNBA games and events and that they will continue to support those efforts.
