The WNBA said Tuesday that it could not substantiate claims of “racist fan behavior” allegedly directed at Chicago Sky player Angel Reese.
“We have investigated the report of racist fan behavior in the vicinity of the court during the May 17, 2025 Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever game,” the WNBA said in a statement. “Based on information gathered to date, including from relevant fans, team and arena staff, as well as audio and video review of the game, we have not substantiated it.”
“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,” it added.
The announcement was made Tuesday, nine days after the WNBA said it was opening an investigation involving “hateful fan comments” toward Reese, per CNN.
The Sky expressed its gratitude to the WNBA and the Fever for a quick resolution.
“We appreciate the quick action by the league and the Indiana Fever to take this matter seriously and to investigate,” Chicago Sky CEO and President Adam Fox said in a statement Tuesday. “This process demonstrates the league’s strong stance on stopping hate at all WNBA games and events, and we will continue to support those efforts.”
The Fever also appreciated the swiftness in coming to a decision.
“We appreciate the swift and thorough process undertaken by the WNBA to investigate these allegations, which were not substantiated,” said Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Pacers Sports & Entertainment owns the Fever.
“At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, we are committed to providing the best possible basketball experience for players and fans where hate speech has absolutely no place. Indiana is home to the world’s greatest fans, and we look forward to an exciting season of Fever basketball,” Raines added.
Reese thanked the Sky organization that supported her.
“I think the WNBA and our team and our organization has done a great job supporting me,” Reese said a week ago. “I’ve gone through so many different things in the past couple of years in my life, but I think just having the support and this love, and being a part of an organization that really supports me and loves me is something I just couldn’t imagine not being a part of.”
Fever star Caitlin Clark spoke out against the racist behavior allegedly made by fans.
“There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society,” Clark said.“Certainly, we want every person who comes into our arena, whether player or fan, to have a great experience.”
“I appreciate the league doing that (the investigation). I appreciate that the Fever organization has been at the forefront of that since day one,” she added.
The rivalry between Reese and Clark started in college when Reese’s LSU beat Clark’s Iowa for the 2023 national championship.
It continued when Clark won the 2024 rematch in the Elite Eight.
While Reese and Clark have minimized the rivalry, fans of both players are fiercely loyal.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was at the game in question and has been vocal about the WNBA, Fox News reported.
“No s— you f—ing morons,” he wrote. “Maybe wait next time before creating a racial war based on angry tik toks from Chicago Sky/Angel trolls who weren’t even at the game. Honestly one of the worst mismanagements of Pr I’ve ever seen.”
