The WNBA is looking into allegations that fans directed racial comments at Angel Reese during a recent game involving the Fever, according to a source familiar with the situation.
“The WNBA firmly denounces racism, discrimination, and hate in any form. Such behavior has no place in our league or society,” the league stated on Sunday. “We are fully aware of these allegations and are conducting an investigation.”
The exact timing of the comments is unclear, but they reportedly arose during the Fever’s 93-58 win at Gainbridge Field House. Tensions escalated between Reese and Caitlyn Clark, as their rivalry dates back to their college days at LSU and Iowa. Reese collected an offensive rebound, prompting Clark to commit a hard foul in response.
After the foul, Reese went down but quickly got back up and approached Clark. Teammates stepped in to defuse what could have become a confrontation, while Clark, who was the one who fouled, returned to her team’s bench. Both Reese and Aliya Boston from Indiana received technical fouls during the incident.
The WNBA Players Association also voiced support for the league’s investigation, criticizing such conduct in sports. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable,” their statement read. “We trust the WNBA will thoroughly investigate this matter to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”
This isn’t the first instance of Fever fans allegedly making racial remarks towards opposing players. After a playoff sweep last year, former Sunstar Alyssa Thomas called out the Indiana fanbase for racist comments, expressing shock at experiencing such behavior in her career. “Honestly, it’s unacceptable, and there’s really no place for it,” she remarked. “While we’ve maintained professionalism, the racial insults on social media are disturbing. Basketball is progressing, yet we don’t want fans who degrade us.”
