The WNBA’s recent investigation into allegations that Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese was subjected to racist taunts during a season opener in Indiana has come to a close.
The league ended up announcing that it “could not substantiate” the claims.
The inquiry was prompted after Reese’s name became associated with reports suggesting that fans in Indiana had hurled racist abuse during the Sky’s game against the Fever, which also featured Reese’s on-court rival, Caitlin Clark.
Despite the absence of direct evidence linking Reese to the initial complaint, she has been vocal about her experiences during the game.
When people are posting this incident I noticed they are trimming the beginning.
Caitlin Clark is upset because she felt the refs didn’t call a foul on Angel Reese’s rebound. She reacts to the ref and then commits a hard foul in response.
It happens but let’s not make Angel a… pic.twitter.com/rCSkpGRJAj
— Quin (@Quinthox) May 18, 2025
“Going through this whole process, it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone,” she said in one interview.
Reese also stoked the flames when she reposted a TikTok last week claiming it was “unsafe” for her to play in Indiana.
After a nearly two-week probe, the league released a statement: “Based on information gathered to date, including from relevant fans, team, and arena staff, as well as audio and video review of the game, we have not substantiated [the report].”
This Angel Reese-Caitlin Clark “controversy” is insane. Watch the play, Reese clearly fouls the other chick — pushing her in the back with both hands — to get the rebound. Clark points to it and then when the call isn’t made, fouls to stop the open layup. pic.twitter.com/M3cpk1Qap0
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) May 19, 2025
The WNBA maintained its commitment to “fostering a safe and inclusive environment” and added that it would continue enforcing its fan code of conduct.
That response, however, hasn’t satisfied everyone. U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) weighed in, saying, “Angel Reese owes Indiana fans an apology.”
Angel Reese owes Indiana fans an apology. https://t.co/mEOEQkxPZK
— Jim Banks (@Jim_Banks) May 27, 2025
The lawmaker took issue with the implication that local fans were racist, especially in light of the league’s inability to verify the claims.
While the Chicago Sky offered support for the league’s investigation, they stopped short of addressing the backlash now facing Reese directly.
“We appreciate the quick action by the league and the Indiana Fever to take this matter seriously and to investigate,” the team said in a statement.
“This process demonstrates the league’s strong stance on stopping hate at all WNBA games and events, and we will continue to support those efforts.”
Meanwhile, the story caught the attention of Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who criticized the league harshly for launching the investigation in the first place.
“Maybe wait next time before creating a racial war based on angry TikToks from Chicago Sky/Angel trolls who weren’t even at the game,” Portnoy posted to X.
No shit you fucking morons @WNBA Maybe wait next time before creating a racial war based on angry tik toks from Chicago Sky/Angel trolls who weren’t even at the game. Honestly one of the worst mismanagements of Pr I’ve ever seen. https://t.co/A5IfqsN8kR
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) May 27, 2025
He called the incident “honestly one of the worst mismanagements of PR I’ve ever seen.”
The season opener between the Sky and Fever wasn’t short on drama, either.
Caitlin Clark, who has been under intense media scrutiny since entering the league, was called for a flagrant foul on Reese. The situation escalated to the point that Reese had to be restrained.
Clark, however, noted she didn’t personally hear any racist remarks from fans.
“It’s super loud in here, and though I didn’t hear anything, I think that’s why they’re doing the investigation,” Clark said at the time.
“That’s why they’re looking into it. That doesn’t mean nothing happened, so I’ll just trust the league’s investigation, and I’m sure they’ll do the right thing.”
Caitlin Clark Indicted For Murder After Fouling Angel Reese https://t.co/CqbQmNm13f pic.twitter.com/BIxSXnbvwv
— The Babylon Bee (@TheBabylonBee) May 19, 2025
Former ESPN host Jemele Hill addressed the issue on her YouTube channel, claiming that “Angel Reese’s very existence rubs a lot of people the wrong way.”
Hill suggested the situation was rooted in deeper cultural biases. “This is ultimately a conversation about cultural competency,” she remarked.
“No one knows for sure how she feels about Caitlin Clark, but what we do know from Angel Reese’s own public comments is that she feels a way that she isn’t given more credit for how she also has added to the popularity of women’s basketball in this moment,” Hill noted.
She also commented on what she perceives to be societal double standards, saying, “If Black athletes are confident, they’re considered cocky and arrogant. If they speak their mind, they’re considered troublemakers or ungrateful – same tropes, different day.”
Hill called on fans to stop focusing on the pair’s rivalry and enjoy the game, noting that viewers “love” when athletes can back up their smack talk.
“But when it comes to women, or more specifically, these two women, we are struggling to see them as just two highly competitive athletes who often are in a position of having to compete for the same things,” she pointed out.
“Angel Reese is not the villain in Caitlin Clark’s story, no more than Caitlin Clark is the savior in hers,” Hill said. “Every interaction between them is not a think piece. If there are hard fouls, rough language, and things get spicy, so be it.”
“If you have no problem when male athletes compete hard against one another or expose their pettiness, do us all a favor and apply that same energy so we can actually enjoy this WNBA season.”
As the controversy swirls, Reese continues to make headlines for her performance on the court.
On Tuesday, she became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach both 500 points and 500 rebounds, accomplishing the feat in just 38 games.
During the game, Reese logged 502 points and 502 rebounds, marking a historic moment in her career.
On Wednesday, the Fever lost 83-77 to Washington Mystics, in the first game since Clark went out with a left quad strain that will keep her on the sidelines for at least the next two weeks.