WNBA Investigates ‘Hateful Comments’ Reportedly Directed Toward Angel Reese During Sky-Fever Game

In a stunning and deeply troubling development during the WNBA’s 2025 season, the league has launched a formal investigation into a series of hateful comments reportedly directed at Angel Reese, the star forward of the Louisiana Surge, who was playing for the Chicago Sky in their recent high-profile matchup against the Indiana Fever. The incident has sparked a wave of discussion about player safety, fan conduct, social media toxicity, and the ongoing challenges female athletes face — even in the world’s premier professional women’s basketball league.

The Incident: What Happened During the Sky-Fever Game?

The Chicago Sky hosted the Indiana Fever in a nationally televised game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 10, 2025. The game itself was highly anticipated, featuring two rising teams in the Eastern Conference and a showcase of young, talented stars — including Angel Reese, whose electrifying play has made her one of the most exciting players in the league.

However, what should have been a celebration of elite women’s basketball quickly turned sour. According to multiple reports from players, coaches, and fans at the arena, during a tense moment in the third quarter, Reese became the target of repeated hateful comments shouted from sections of the Fever crowd.

These comments reportedly included racial slurs and derogatory language aimed at Reese, who is African American, prompting immediate concern from players on both teams. The atmosphere reportedly grew so hostile that officials briefly considered stopping the game to address the crowd.

Player Reactions: A Unified Front Against Hate

Angel Reese, known for her resilience and composure on and off the court, spoke out about the incident in a postgame press conference.

“It’s disappointing that in 2025, we still have to deal with this kind of hate,” Reese said. “I’m here to play basketball, to compete, and to inspire. The fans should be here to support the game and the athletes, not tear us down with words that hurt.”

Chicago Sky coach Carlos Gonzalez also condemned the comments.

“Our players deserve to feel safe and respected every time they step on the court,” Gonzalez said. “There’s no place for hate in our league or anywhere in sports.”

Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides echoed these sentiments.

“We are investigating what happened and taking it very seriously. This does not reflect the values of our team, our fans, or our community.”

Multiple players from the Fever team expressed support for Reese on social media, with veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell tweeting:

“Sending love to @AngelReese. No one should have to endure hate in the arena or anywhere. We stand with you.”

League Response: Official Investigation and Commitment

Within 24 hours of the incident, the WNBA issued a statement announcing an official investigation into the reported hateful comments:

“The WNBA is deeply disturbed by reports of hateful comments directed toward Angel Reese during the Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever game on May 10. We have opened a formal investigation and will take appropriate action based on the findings. The league remains committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for our players, coaches, and fans.”

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the situation in a subsequent press conference, emphasizing the league’s zero-tolerance policy toward hate speech and discrimination.

“The WNBA stands firmly against any form of racism, harassment, or hateful conduct. We are mobilizing all resources to identify those responsible and to work with our teams and communities to reinforce our values. The safety and dignity of our players is paramount.”

The Broader Context: Fan Behavior and the Impact of Social Media

The Reese incident is not isolated but rather highlights a disturbing trend affecting professional athletes across sports — especially women of color. The rise of social media has magnified both the reach and intensity of hateful comments, often allowing anonymous or distant individuals to spew vitriol with little immediate consequence.

WNBA players, including Reese, have been vocal about the toll that online abuse takes on their mental health. In recent years, stars like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson have all shared experiences with online harassment, including racially charged remarks and sexist commentary.

“It’s exhausting to block, report, and move on,” Reese said in a 2024 interview. “But when that hate follows you into the arena, into the stands, it’s a whole other level.”

Fan behavior at games also remains a challenge. While most WNBA crowds are supportive and passionate, there have been multiple instances in the past few seasons where unruly behavior or offensive chants have drawn league scrutiny.

Previous Incidents and League Actions

The WNBA has a history of confronting fan misconduct head-on. In 2023, during a New York Liberty game, a group of fans was removed after chanting offensive remarks toward a visiting player. The league implemented new security protocols and expanded fan conduct policies in response.

Similarly, in 2024, a Las Vegas Aces player received threatening messages after a contentious playoff game, which led to a joint statement from the league and the NBA condemning harassment and promising enhanced protective measures.

The Reese incident builds on this pattern, showing that despite efforts, the WNBA still faces hurdles in creating a completely safe environment for its athletes.

Community and Player-Led Initiatives

Beyond league interventions, players themselves have launched initiatives to combat hate and promote inclusion. Angel Reese has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and anti-racism programs.

In March 2025, Reese and other WNBA players partnered with the National Women’s Sports Foundation to launch the #RespectTheGame campaign, which focuses on educating fans, promoting positive behavior, and providing resources for players affected by harassment.

“Respect is a two-way street,” Reese said. “We want fans to cheer, to be loud, but always with kindness and respect. That’s the game we all love.”

The Indiana Fever also recently introduced a Fan Code of Conduct campaign, emphasizing zero tolerance for hate speech, harassment, and discrimination at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Fans are now required to acknowledge this code when purchasing tickets, with penalties including ejection and lifetime bans for violators.

Social Media and the Power of Public Outcry

Social media platforms exploded in response to the incident, with hashtags like #StandWithAngel, #NoPlaceForHate, and #WNBAUnite trending nationwide. Fans, athletes, and celebrities voiced support for Reese, condemning the hateful comments and calling for accountability.

Prominent figures such as LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Simone Biles issued statements of solidarity, amplifying the conversation beyond basketball.

The online movement has pressured the WNBA and teams to act swiftly, highlighting the power of collective voice in sports culture.

Challenges Ahead: Policing Hate in Sports

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. How can leagues effectively police hateful comments in arenas, where crowds are large and emotions run high? What are the limits of fan expression? And how can social media platforms better protect athletes from harassment?

Experts suggest a multi-layered approach:

Enhanced arena security and monitoring to identify offenders in real-time
Clear consequences such as ejections, bans, and legal action against offenders
Fan education campaigns that foster understanding and respect
Collaboration with social media platforms to swiftly remove hateful content and suspend accounts engaging in harassment

Dr. Lauren Mitchell, a sports psychologist specializing in athlete mental health, explains:

“Athletes need safe spaces to perform, free of abuse. The psychological effects of sustained harassment can affect not only performance but overall well-being. Leagues have a duty to implement robust protective measures.”

What This Means for the WNBA’s Future

The WNBA stands at a crossroads. The league has made remarkable progress in growing its fan base, securing lucrative media deals, and elevating its players as cultural icons. Yet incidents like the one involving Angel Reese reveal that significant work remains to build an inclusive and safe environment.

Commissioner Engelbert has vowed to use the incident as a catalyst for positive change:

“We are committed to turning this painful moment into progress. Together with players, teams, and fans, we will build a league that reflects the values of respect, equality, and empowerment that the WNBA embodies.”

The league plans to announce new initiatives in fan engagement, security, and player support by the end of the 2025 season.

A Call to Action

Angel Reese’s experience during the Sky-Fever game is a painful reminder that even in the world’s top women’s professional basketball league, hateful behavior still rears its head. But it’s also a moment that has galvanized the WNBA community — players, fans, and leaders alike — to stand united against hate.

The journey toward a truly inclusive, respectful, and safe environment continues, and the WNBA is determined to lead the way.

As Angel Reese herself said: