Following the Chicago Sky’s season opener against the Indiana Fever on May 17, accusations surfaced regarding racist behavior targeting Angel Reese. In response, the WNBA launched a thorough investigation to determine the validity of these claims. On Tuesday, the league announced it had completed its inquiry but found no evidence to confirm the allegations of hateful conduct.

The investigative process involved collecting information from relevant fans, team personnel, and arena staff, along with reviewing audio and video footage from the game. Shortly after the announcement, Adam Fox, CEO and President of the Chicago Sky, issued a statement on behalf of the team addressing the league’s efforts.

“We appreciate the quick action by the league and the Indiana Fever to take this matter seriously and to investigate,” Fox’s statement read. “This process demonstrates the league’s strong stance on stopping hate at all WNBA games and events, and we will continue to support these efforts.”

During the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a tense moment occurred between Reese and Fever star Caitlin Clark. Clark committed a hard foul to stop Reese from scoring on a layup, which led Reese to confront Clark in frustration. Their history of competitive exchanges, dating back to their collegiate rivalry, adds context to the heated interaction.

History of rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark in college and professional play

Reese and Clark, both standout players in women’s basketball, have gained considerable attention for their on-court battles. Their rivalry began during the 2023 NCAA national championship game, when Reese, playing for the LSU Tigers, taunted Clark and her Iowa Hawkeyes with the well-known “You can’t see me” gesture, signaling LSU’s dominance and eventual victory in the championship.

Though their competitions have been intense in both college and professional leagues, the WNBA, alongside the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever organizations, has sent a clear message that any hateful conduct or discriminatory behavior from their fanbases will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Angel Reese sets WNBA record after 38 games despite team’s loss

Amid the controversy surrounding the May 17 game, Angel Reese has continued to demonstrate remarkable athletic performance. In a recent matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, Reese reached a significant career milestone, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 combined points and rebounds in just 38 games, surpassing the previous record held by Tina Charles, who achieved it in 44 games.

“ICON BEHAVIOR: In just 38 games, Angel Reese became the fastest in WNBA history to record 500 career points and rebounds. The Chi-Town Barbie passed Tina Charles (44 games),” ESPN posted on Instagram.

Although the Mercury secured a 94-89 victory in that game, Reese’s individual achievement underscored her growing impact on the league and her team’s competitiveness.

Implications of the investigation outcome and future outlook

The WNBA’s decision to clear the allegations highlights the league’s commitment to addressing serious concerns without bias, while reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy toward hate and discrimination. For Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky, this resolution allows the team and player to move forward, focusing on performance and sportsmanship. The incident also underscores the ongoing need for vigilance against fan misconduct at games to protect players from harassment.

As Reese continues to break records and elevate her profile, her role as a leading figure in women’s basketball grows, making her achievements and experiences important to both the league and its audience. The WNBA, along with its teams and fans, is expected to maintain strong efforts to ensure a respectful and inclusive environment in all future games and events.