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WNBA Releases Statement On Fever vs. Sky Game Allegations

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 18, 2025 4:05 PM ET

The WNBA issued a statement following an alleged incident during Saturday's game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky.

On Sunday afternoon, the WNBA addressed "alleged hateful fan comments" made during the season-opening matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

"The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society," the statement said. "We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter."

Although the league didn't specify any incidents, Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports reported that the WNBA statement was responding to racist comments directed at Angel Reese. Costabile added that the statement isn't related to referees upgrading Caitlin Clark's foul on Reese to a flagrant foul.

Last year, Reese said on her Unapologetically Angel podcast that she's received death threats and had people follow her home. She called Clark "an amazing player" who's in no way condoned this harassment from many of her supporters.

"I think it's really just the fans - her fans, the Iowa fans, now the Indiana fans - they ride for her, and I respect that," Reese said. "But sometimes, it's very disrespectful. I think there's a lot of racism when it comes to it."

MEDLEY, FLORIDA - JANUARY 31: Angel Reese #5 of Rose reacts during the first quarter of the game against the Phantom at Wayfair Arena on January 31, 2025 in Medley, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Weeks later, Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas called out Fever fans for making racist comments at their playoff games. The WNBA released a statement saying it will "not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments made about players, teams, and anyone affiliated with the league."

At the time, Reese said the media "benefited from my pain" while overlooking the same racist treatment toward her to portray Reese as the villain.

"I sometimes share my experiences of things that have happened to me but I’ve also allowed this to happen to me for way too long and now other players in this league are dealing with & experiencing the same things," Reese wrote last September. "This isn't OK at all. Anything beyond criticism about playing the game we love is wrong. I'm sorry to all the players that have/continue to experience the same things I have.

"... At the end of the day, I don't want an apology nor do I think this will ever stop, but something has to change."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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