The WNBA is investigating claims of hateful remarks directed at Angel Reese

WNBA Launches Investigation Into Alleged Hateful Comments Directed at Angel Reese During Sky-Fever Season Opener

The WNBA has officially opened an investigation into disturbing allegations that hateful, racially charged comments were made toward Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese during Saturday’s season-opening matchup against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The league released a statement on Sunday, affirming its commitment to thoroughly examining the incident and reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on hate and discrimination.

Though the WNBA did not disclose the specific nature of the remarks, their timing during the game, or the intended target, a source familiar with the matter—who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue—confirmed that the investigation stems from alleged racial comments directed at Reese by one or more individuals in the crowd.

In its statement, the WNBA emphasized, “The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society.”

The incident appears to have unfolded in a charged atmosphere, particularly during a key moment in the third quarter. Reese was booed repeatedly by spectators throughout the contest, with the intensity peaking when she stepped to the free-throw line after Indiana’s Caitlin Clark was called for a flagrant foul. The Fever ultimately cruised to a 35-point victory, but tensions between the two star rookies—and in the stands—became a prominent storyline.

In response to the allegations, both the Chicago Sky and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) released public statements standing in solidarity with Reese and supporting the league’s ongoing investigation.

“We are unwavering in our efforts to protect every member of the Chicago Sky, and we urge the league to continue taking decisive steps to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all WNBA players,” the Sky’s statement read.

The WNBPA echoed that sentiment, calling the alleged behavior “unacceptable in our sport” and expressing confidence in the WNBA’s ability to respond. “Under the WNBA’s ‘No Space for Hate’ policy, we trust the league to thoroughly investigate and take swift, appropriate action to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all,” the union stated.

Indiana Fever ownership and leadership also weighed in. Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, confirmed that the Fever are working closely with the WNBA on the investigation and reaffirmed their commitment to player safety: “We stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players.”

The investigation comes just days after the WNBA unveiled a new, season-long initiative focused on combating hate and promoting respect across all platforms—both digital and in-person. The campaign, titled “No Space for Hate,” includes the formation of a specialized task force made up of league and team officials. Their work will center on four primary areas: enhanced technology to detect online abuse, improved arena and team-level security, expanded access to mental health resources for players, and renewed efforts to unify stakeholders around anti-hate values.

On Saturday, prior to tip-off, Gainbridge Fieldhouse aired a public service announcement featuring WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who reaffirmed the league’s commitment to inclusivity and respect as central pillars of the “No Space for Hate” platform.

This incident also casts a spotlight on broader concerns voiced by WNBA players over the past year, many of whom have reported a troubling rise in targeted harassment—particularly racial, misogynistic, and homophobic abuse—coinciding with growing national attention on the league and its rising stars. The arrival of collegiate icons like Reese and Clark in the WNBA has fueled fan excitement but also surfaced deeper questions about how the league is handling its evolving spotlight and protecting its athletes.

Saturday’s game was also marked by a physical exchange between Reese and Clark, when Clark was assessed a flagrant 1 foul for what officials described as a “wind-up, impact, and follow-through” motion with her left hand to Reese’s back. The contact prompted offsetting technical fouls against Reese and Fever center Aliyah Boston as well.

Following the game, both players downplayed the incident.
“Basketball play. Refs got it right. Move on,” Reese said calmly in her postgame interview.
Clark, for her part, insisted there was no malicious intent behind the foul. “I was going for the ball. That’s what it looked like to me. I wasn’t trying to hurt anybody—that’s not the kind of player I am,” she said.

The Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever are scheduled to meet again on June 7 in what promises to be a closely watched rematch—the second of five regular-season encounters between the two teams. With rising stars like Reese and Clark continuing to drive record-breaking viewership and attendance, the WNBA finds itself in a pivotal moment—one where how the league responds to issues of fan behavior, racism, and player safety will help define its future.

As the investigation into Saturday’s incident unfolds, the spotlight remains not just on the hardwood, but on the league’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every WNBA player can compete in an environment free from hate.