CNN
–
The WNBA announced Tuesday that the investigation could not demonstrate allegations of “racist fan behavior” in a recent match between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever in Indianapolis earlier this month.
The announcement comes nine days after the WNBA announced it was investigating allegations of “hate fan comments” directed at Chicago Sky player Angel Rees during the game.
“We investigated reports of racist fan behavior near the court during Chicago Sky at the Indiana Fever Game on May 17, 2025,” the WNBA said in a statement.
“We have not demonstrated that, including information collected so far, including related fans, teams, arena staff and other audio and video reviews of the game.
“The WNBA is committed to promoting a safe and inclusive environment for everyone and will continue to be more intense in implementing a fan code of conduct.”
Sky thanked the WNBA and Heat for handling the situation.
“We would like to thank the league and Indiana Fever for the quick action we take this issue seriously and investigate it,” Chicago Sky CEO and President Adam Fox said Tuesday. “This process shows the league’s strong attitude towards stopping hatred at all WNBA games and events and will continue to support those efforts.”
Last week, the fever, which said it would work with the WNBA to investigate the case, praised its quick solution on Tuesday.
“We are grateful for the quick and thorough process that the WNBA has implemented to investigate these unproven allegations,” said Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
“At Gainbridge Field House, we are committed to providing the best basketball experience possible for players and fans who have absolutely no place in hate speech. Indiana is home to the largest fans in the world and we look forward to an exciting season of hot basketball.”
Reese and Indiana Fever star Kate Linklark welcomed an investigation into the alleged WNBA incident in a statement issued last week.
“I think the WNBA, our team and our organization have done a great job supporting me,” Reese said in Media Availability a week ago.
“I have gone through so many different things in the last few years of my life, and I just have support and this love and being part of an organization that really supports me and loves me is something I couldn’t imagine that I am not part of that,” Reese added.
“Our game has no place, there’s no place in society,” Clark said after practicing on May 19 when asked about allegations of fan cheating.
“It’s true, we want everyone who comes to our arena, whether it’s a player or a fan, to have a great experience,” Clark continued. “I’m grateful to the league doing it (investigation) and I’m grateful that the Fever organization has been at the forefront from day one.”
The much-documented rivalry between Reese and Clark began in college when Reese defeated Clark’s Iowa at the 2023 national championships, and continued in 2024 when they won a rematch with the 12.3 million elite 8 before television viewers.
The rivalry follows the pair and then the WNBA, where Heat and Sky play in a series of hard nose contests. At their latest meeting, Clark was especially rated as a terrible foul for hard contacts in the lease in Fever’s 93-58 victory.
Although both players compete, the fanbase often has a dislike for the opposite player.