The WNBA has launched an investigation following allegations of racist fan comments directed at Chicago Sky star Angel Reese during the highly anticipated season-opening matchup against the Indiana Fever on May 17.
The game — featuring 2024’s top rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese — drew significant attention as their on-court rivalry reignited from their 2023 NCAA Championship clash. Tensions flared when Clark committed a flagrant foul against Reese in the third quarter, knocking her to the ground and prompting a heated moment between the two, though both players have denied any personal animosity.
While the WNBA’s official statement didn’t name any players, it confirmed it is looking into “hateful fan comments” allegedly made during the game.
> “The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society,” the league said in a May 18 statement.
Neither Reese nor Clark reported hearing the offensive remarks themselves, but media reports and fan accounts suggest that racially charged insults were hurled at Reese during the game in Indianapolis.
Reese and Clark Speak Out
Both athletes have expressed support for the league’s probe.
> “There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society,” Clark said ahead of a May 20 Fever game. “I appreciate the league doing that [investigation].”
> “If it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone,” Reese told media the same day, commending the WNBA and her team for their strong backing.
Aliyah Boston, who intervened during the game to de-escalate the situation, echoed similar sentiments about respect from fans.
> “If it was your daughter out on the court, you would want that respect being shown,” she said.
The Bigger Picture: WNBA’s “No Space for Hate” Campaign
The incident adds to growing concerns about player safety and harassment. In response to previous cases involving racial threats and AI-generated fake images targeting WNBA players like DiJonai Carrington and Angel Reese, the league launched its “No Space for Hate” initiative for the 2025 season.
> “We want our arenas, and our social platforms filled with energy and fandom — not hate and vitriol,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.
What’s Next
The investigation is ongoing. The Fever and Sky are set to meet again on June 7 in Chicago, and twice more in Indianapolis on August 9 and September 5. Depending on the outcome of the probe, disciplinary action may be taken against any identified fans responsible for the hateful conduct.
This ongoing case highlights the league’s commitment to protecting its players and fostering a respectful environment — both on and off the court.
