WNBA says it cannot substantiate
claims that racist remarks were made by fans at Sky-Fever game
[May 28, 2025]
NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA says it cannot substantiate claims
that racist fan behavior took place during a game in Indianapolis
between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever earlier this month.
The league said its investigation included gathering information
from fans, team and arena staff, as well as an “audio and video
review of the game.”
“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. "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 WNBA, according to a person familiar with the investigation, was
looking into claims that racist comments were directed toward
Chicago’s Angel Reese by fans during the loss to WNBA rookie of the
year Caitlin Clark and the Fever. Indiana won the game handily,
93-58.
Reese brushed aside questions about the investigation before Tuesday
night’s game against the Phoenix Mercury, saying she was “focused on
the game today” and more concerned about helping the Sky earn their
first win of the season after an 0-3 start.
First-year coach Tyler Marsh echoed his star forward’s feelings.
“We appreciate the investigation being done and we hope that the
league continues to make the steps necessary moving forward to
ensure a safe environment for everyone, all players included,” Marsh
said. “But tonight, the focus is on the game.”
Reese, who is Black, and Clark, who is white, were meeting for the
seventh time in their ongoing — and much-talked-about — rivalry.
Clark later said she did not hear any racist remarks during that
game, but acknowledged that it was loud in Indiana’s arena
throughout the game.
“It’s super loud in here, and though I didn’t hear anything, I think
that’s why they’re doing the investigation,” Clark said earlier this
month. “That’s why they’re looking into it. That doesn’t mean
nothing happened, so I’ll just trust the league’s investigation, and
I’m sure they’ll do the right thing.”
Both teams had previously issued statements supporting the
investigation, as did the WNBA players association. The Sky were
playing in Phoenix on Tuesday. The WNBPA did not issue any immediate
comment after the league's announcement.
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Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese shoots during a WNBA basketball game
against the Indiana Fever in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 17, 2025.
(AP Photo/AJ Mast)
“We appreciate the swift and thorough process
undertaken by the WNBA to investigate these allegations, which were
not substantiated,” Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines
said Tuesday in a statement distributed by 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.”
Reese was asked earlier this month if she was able to provide the
WNBA with details about the incident. She did not offer specifics on
if she had done so, saying “that’s not a me question.” She also did
not reveal what type of comments were made, or any other specifics
about what prompted the investigation.
But moments earlier, in that same availability with reporters, Reese
said she was receiving widespread support from across the league
because of the alleged incident.
“Obviously, there’s no place in this league for that,” Reese said at
that time. “I think the WNBA and our team and our organization has
done a great job supporting me. ... Going through this whole
process, if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.”
___
AP Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg in New York and AP Sports Writer
David Brandt in Phoenix contributed to this report.
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