The WNBA announced on Sunday that it is investigating allegations of “hate comments” directed at Angel Reese during the Indiana Fever’s dominant win over the Chicago Sky on Saturday.
Details about the comments made during the match at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis have not been specified.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hatred, and discrimination in all forms. Such behavior is unacceptable in our league or society at large. We are aware of the allegations and are actively investigating,” the league stated.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) also released a statement regarding the incident.
“The WNBPA is aware of reports of hateful comments from Saturday’s game in Indianapolis and stands behind the WNBA’s investigation. This type of behavior cannot be tolerated in our sport,” the union expressed. “Trusting that the league’s measures will ensure a safe environment for all, we support the investigation.”
Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, addressed the issue as well.
“We are aware of the allegations of inappropriate fan behavior during the game and are closely collaborating with the WNBA to complete the investigation. Our commitment to a safe environment for all WNBA players remains steadfast,” Raines noted.
Prior to the 2025 season, the WNBA launched its “Space Without Hate” campaign. This initiative includes AI-driven social media surveillance tools aimed at reinforcing the league’s updated Code of Conduct.
“As part of our comprehensive approach, the WNBA is using AI technology to monitor social media and work with players and teams against online hate speech and harassment,” a league representative stated.
The revised Fan Code of Conduct has strict guidelines for social media interactions, threatening consequences for those who violate them. It categorizes offensive content—including racist or threatening messages—as grounds for blocking and deleting accounts.
The Fever-Sky matchup also featured a notable incident between Fever star Caitlin Clark and Reese, where Clark fouled Reese, prompting a visible reaction from Reese, though she managed to keep her composure.
