WNBA Investigating Fans Who Yelled Racial Slurs at Angel Reese During Indiana Game

Nationwide — The WNBA has launched an investigation into allegations of racist remarks directed at Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese during her team’s loss to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Saturday in Indianapolis. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed the probe to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, as the league has not publicly identified the individuals involved or specified who made the complaints.

According to CNN, the WNBA released a statement Sunday saying, “The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.” The controversy arises from the latest matchup in a widely followed rivalry between Reese, who is Black, and Clark, who is white. Clark won Rookie of the Year honors last season, with Reese finishing as the runner-up.

The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) also responded, affirming its support of the league’s investigation. “The WNBPA is aware of reports of hateful comments at yesterday’s game in Indianapolis and supports the WNBA’s current investigation into this matter. Such behavior is unacceptable in our sport,” the union said. “Under the WNBA’s ‘No Space for Hate’ policy, we trust the league to take swift, appropriate action.”

Chicago Sky president and CEO Adam Fox echoed the league’s stance, stating the team is committed to protecting its players and encouraging the WNBA to enforce measures that ensure a safe environment. “We will do everything in our power to protect Chicago Sky players,” Fox said. “We welcome and support the WNBA’s investigation.”

The Indiana Fever also released a statement acknowledging the accusations and promising cooperation with the league’s inquiry. “We are aware of the allegations of inappropriate fan conduct during yesterday’s game, and we are working closely with the WNBA,” the team said. “We stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players.”

Reese contributed 12 points and 17 rebounds during the 93–58 loss, but tensions rose in the third quarter when Clark slapped Reese’s arm while contesting a rebound, sending her to the floor. Reese confronted Clark moments later before Aliyah Boston intervened. Officials upgraded Clark’s foul to a flagrant 1, and both Reese and Boston were issued technical fouls following a video review.

This incident will be the first significant test of the WNBA’s “No Space for Hate” initiative, launched earlier this season. The platform aims to eliminate hate across all league platforms and venues by focusing on online monitoring, enhanced arena security, mental health resources, and league-wide accountability.

Racism on the court, however, is nothing new for Angel Reese. In 2024, she responded to a conversation about the racist slurs some players have faced and said she has “been going through this for the last two years.” She also has said that the media has “benefited from my pain” in “to create a narrative.”