The WNBA has completed its investigation into alleged racist threats directed at Chicago Sky player Angel Reese during the Indiana Fever season opener game on May 17.
The league announced on Tuesday that they found no evidence of racist slurs directed at Reese during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana.
“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.”
The Indiana Fever easily defeated the Chicago Sky by a score of 93-58. Fever superstar Caitlin Clark earned her third career triple double: 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Clark and Reese, both 23, got tangled up late in the 3rd quarter and Reese flopped on the court. The refs handed Clark a flagrant 1 foul.
Unnecessary contact from Caitlin Clark on Angel Reese. Flagrant 1 #WNBA ? pic.twitter.com/pML9JynLOs
— Rich Cole of RCTV (@iamRichCole) May 17, 2025
After the game, WNBA officials claimed Fever fans hurled racial slurs at Reese and made monkey noises directed at her.
Reese’s fans stirred the pot by insisting they were at the game and they heard monkey noises. But Fever fans posted videos to prove there were no such noises.
Both Clark and Reese welcomed the investigation into the false allegations.
“I think the WNBA and our team and our organization has done a great job supporting me,” Reese said last week.
“There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society,” Clark told reporters after practice on May 19. “Certainly, we want every person who comes into our arena, whether player or fan, to have a great experience,” Clark added.
However, Reese reposted a TikTok screenshot that shows her intense reaction after Clark fouled Reese.
The screengrab was captioned: “white gyal running from the fade.”
Unprofessional sports reporters such as ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike, a former WNBA player, stoked the flames of racial division by taking sides. Ogwumike apologized on Tuesday following the WNBA’s announcement.
Ogwumike, 33, promised to “do better” in an apology video on X (Twitter).
I’m never afraid to say that I can do better…? (my thoughts on the wnba investigation) pic.twitter.com/PaGmcwvTPE
— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) May 28, 2025
