The WNBA has launched an investigation into what it called “hateful fan comments” directed at Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese during Saturday’s game against the Indiana Fever—an episode that reignited long-simmering racial tensions surrounding Reese and Fever second-year player Caitlin Clark. The two players, who entered the league together last year after a fiery college rivalry, have become emblematic of a racial divide that continues to shape how fans, media, and the public perceive Black and white women athletes. Reese, who is Black, has often been vilified for her outspoken confidence and physical play.
Clark, who is white, has largely been celebrated, even while displaying similar traits on the court. “They both are excellent competitors,” former WNBA player and ESPN broadcaster Monica McNutt said. “But if it had been the other way around [Reese shoving Clark], you could imagine how this conversation would go.”
In the third quarter of Indiana’s 93-58 win, tensions boiled over when Clark slapped at the ball after Reese secured an offensive rebound and had a clear path to the basket. Reese fell to the floor and quickly got up to confront Clark before Fever star Aliyah Boston intervened. Officials reviewed the play, upgraded Clark’s foul to a flagrant 1, and issued technical fouls to both Reese and Boston. As boos rang out from the largely non-African-American crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Reese was targeted more aggressively—particularly during her free throws.
The WNBA said it is investigating “allegations of hateful fan comments” directed at her during the game. “The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society,” the league said in a statement. “We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.” Reese declined to speak to the media after the game and had no comment Sunday through a representative.
The confrontation—and the crowd’s reaction—quickly spilled into online discourse, with some defending Reese while others amplified attacks. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, who is married to a white woman, drew fire for a post accusing Reese of creating a hostile environment. “Angel Reese said she is the villain, refused to answer questions about Caitlin Clark, and has celebrated flagrant fouls on Caitlin Clark,” the ill-informed Griffin said. “I’m not helping create anything.