The WNBA has concluded its investigation into allegations of racist comments directed at Chicago Sky players — including rookie forward Angel Reese — during a May 17 game against the Indiana Fever. After a nearly two-week review of video footage, audio, and interviews with fans and arena staff, the league said it could not substantiate the claims.
“We have investigated the report of racist fan behavior in the vicinity of the court… and have not substantiated it,” the WNBA stated on Tuesday.
The accusations initially surfaced after an intense on-court matchup between Angel Reese and Indiana’s Caitlin Clark — a rivalry that has drawn widespread media attention dating back to their college days. Shortly after the game, which the Fever won 93–58, ESPN analyst and former WNBA player Chiney Ogwumike amplified allegations on social media, stating that individuals close to the Sky team had reported hearing offensive, racially charged remarks.
The league launched a formal review in response.
On Tuesday, following the WNBA’s announcement, Ogwumike posted a video apologizing for speaking publicly before the investigation concluded.
“When I initially spoke on the topic, it really came from a place of care,” she said. “But I totally recognize that it may have impacted fans in a way I did not intend, and I’m sorry.”
She added that her intent was never to disparage fans but to raise awareness about concerns brought to her by those close to the situation.
The Indiana Fever also released a statement through Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines:
“We appreciate the swift and thorough process… Hate speech has absolutely no place. Indiana is home to the world’s greatest fans, and we look forward to an exciting season of Fever basketball.”
The story sparked a firestorm on social media. Some fans criticized the league for waiting too long to respond. Others praised the investigation’s completion. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy — who attended the May 17 game — called the incident “a very obvious troll” and said ESPN gave too much airtime to unconfirmed claims.
Meanwhile, Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) publicly called for Reese to apologize to Indiana fans following the WNBA’s findings. Reese has not addressed the league’s conclusion directly but has continued posting about her historic WNBA start — including becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds.
In prior seasons, players have spoken out about racial hostility from some fans. Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas previously cited Indiana as a particularly challenging environment, saying she’d heard racially charged remarks during her 11-year career.
Caitlin Clark, who has publicly condemned racism, addressed the issue last week during media availability.
“There’s no place for that in our game. There’s no place for that in society,” Clark said. “We want everyone — fans and players — to have a great experience.”
This incident, while now officially closed by the WNBA, raises ongoing questions about the treatment of athletes — particularly women of color — in professional sports environments. Though no evidence was found in this case, the conversation around fan behavior, media responsibility, and accountability in women’s basketball continues.
