The WNBA is investigating allegations of “racial comments” directed toward Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese during the Sky’s 93-58 loss to the Indiana Fever in Indianapolis on Saturday.
A report was filed with the league in response to racist remarks directed at the Sky team, specifically Reese, during Saturday’s game, league sources told Front Office Sports. League sources also stated meetings with both teams and WNBA officials are ongoing.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms,” the WNBA said in a statement. “They have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”
Reese was on the receiving end of a Caitlin Clark foul in the final five minutes of the third quarter of Saturday’s season opener. As Reese went up for a layup, Clark committed a take foul—wrapping Reese up and sending her to the deck—to prevent her from scoring. Reese stood up and turned to Clark, who was already walking away, to express her displeasure.
Teammates of both players stepped in to prevent tempers from flaring any further, including Fever forward Aliyah Boston, who was assessed a technical foul. Reese also received a technical foul, which offset Boston’s. After review, Clark’s foul was upgraded to a flagrant foul.
‘‘Basketball play,’’ Reese said about Clark’s foul postgame. ‘‘Refs got it right. Move on.’’
In a statement, the WNBPA condemned the “hateful” behavior and said under the league’s new “No Space For Hate” policy they trust swift, appropriate action will be taken to ensure a safe environment for all. The Fever also issued a statement from Pacers Sports and Entertainment CEO Mel Raines, which said they are “working closely” with the WNBA to complete the investigation and are committed to providing a “safe environment for all WNBA players.”
Fever fans have drawn heavy criticism from WNBA players over the last year and a half. Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington shared a tweet last year while playing for the Connecticut Sun, saying the Fever had “the nastiest” fans in the league. Carrington’s former Sun teammate, Mercury forward, Alyssa Thomas, echoed those sentiments following the Sun’s two-game sweep of the Fever in the first round of the playoffs, saying in part she had “never experienced” that kind of treatment from a fan base in her career.
“We don’t want fans that are going to degrade us and call us racial things,” Thomas said in September.
The WNBA launched the “No Space For Hate” initiative in response to an influx of racism, homophobia, and hate directed at players during the 2024 season. The initiative is focused on promoting respect across all WNBA spaces, including in arenas and online. The league will be using AI technology to detect hateful comments online, will place an increased emphasis on safety measures, and reinforce mental health resources as part of its effort to protect players.
