BREAKING: The WNBA has issued a public APOLOGY to Angel Reese for NOT finding evidence of fan racism against her and the Chicago Sky. 

“We tried really hard, exhausted every lead, and used every man hating ESPN anchor we could find to spin this narrative for Angel…but the evidence just isn’t there. We really let her down this time, and we’re sorry.” – WNBA Commissioner

The WNBA has completed its investigation into allegations of racist comments directed at Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese during a game against the Indiana Fever on May 17, 2025. After reviewing audio and video footage and interviewing fans, team personnel, and arena staff, the league announced that it found no evidence to substantiate the claims. ([Reuters][2])

The incident occurred during a high-profile matchup featuring Reese and Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. Following a flagrant foul by Clark, tensions escalated, leading to reports of inappropriate fan behavior. While the league did not disclose the origin of the allegations, media reports connected them to Reese. ([The Washington Post][3], [Reuters][2])

In response to the league’s findings, ESPN analyst and former WNBA player Chiney Ogwumike issued a public apology for amplifying unverified claims about the incident. She acknowledged that her comments, made in the heat of the moment, may have unintentionally affected fans and emphasized her commitment to supporting the WNBA and its community. ([People.com][4])

The WNBA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment and upholding its fan code of conduct. Both the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky organizations expressed appreciation for the league’s thorough investigation and reiterated their dedication to fostering a respectful atmosphere at games. ([The Times of India][1])

Separately, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert faced criticism for her response during a CNBC interview when asked about the rivalry between Clark and Reese and the associated fan behavior. Engelbert compared the situation to the historic rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, emphasizing the importance of rivalries in sports. Her comments were met with backlash from players and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, who felt she failed to adequately condemn racist and misogynistic fan behavior. 

Engelbert later clarified her stance on social media, stating, “To be clear, there is absolutely no place for hate or racism of any kind in the WNBA or anywhere else.” ([NBC4 Washington][5])