Image Credit: Grace Smith/IndyStar

WNBA Launches Investigation After Claims of Racist Comments Made Against Angel Reese During Game vs. Fever

Racist comments were made against Reese during Sky's 93-58 loss against Fever.

Image Credit: Grace Smith/IndyStar

The WNBA has launched an investigation after allegations of racist comments made against Chicago Sky forward, Angel Reese. There have been claims that racist remarks were made against Reese during Sky’s brutal 93-58 loss against the Caitlin Clark-starring side Indiana Fever on Saturday, May 17 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The league released a statement, saying that it is looking into the matter.

The official release read, “The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms – they have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.” Not only this, but the Fever also released a statement, assuring that they are working closely with the league in the matter.

Fever, in their statement, said, “We are aware of the allegations of inappropriate fan conduct during yesterday’s game and we are working closely with the WNBA to complete their investigation. We stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players.”

pic.twitter.com/WCf2rVc2Pn
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 18, 2025

Also Read: LeBron James Roots for Caitlin Clark, Fever Star Drops Five-Star Performance Against Reese’s Chicago Sky

Tensions Were High Between Clark and Reese During Saturday-night Game

The game on Saturday night saw tensions running high between Reese and Clark. Notably, the rivalry between both players started in college, and has extended in the WNBA. During the game night in Indiana, a flagrant foul was called on Clark with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter, leading Reese to be stripped of the ball and pushing her to the court.

While Clark later made it clear that there was nothing ‘malicious’ about her intent, Reese was clearly not happy with the incident. She went on to confront Clark, while Aliyah Boston tried to hold her back. The Indiana Fever star was assessed a Flagrant 1, while Reese and Boston were given off-setting technical.

There were rumors that the racist remarks were made by one member in the crowd. However, as per WNBA insider Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports, the incident was not in reaction to the drama. She reposted the statement from the WNBA, and wrote, “Sources with knowledge of the situation say this statement is in response to allegations of racial comments directed at Angel Reese by fan(s) in the crowd. It is not in response to the take foul that was upgraded to a flagrant 1.”

Talking about their gameplay, Clark led the Fever with 20 points, ten rebounds, and ten assists. With this, she became the fastest player in the history of the league to reach three career triple doubles in just 41 games. She also tied Candace Parker for the third-most triple doubles in the league.

Reese, on the other hand, came up with 12 points, 17 rebounds, and one assist.

Also Read: 2025 WNBA MVP Showdown Begins: Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier Among Top Contenders

Angel Reese

Indiana Fever

WNBA

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.