WNBA, PS&E issue statements after league's investigation into alleged fan comments were 'not substantiated'
The WNBA reviewed video, audio, and interviewed multiple parties after a report surfaced from opening day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. But no evidence was found.
Ten days after the Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky by 35 points to open the 2025 WNBA season, the WNBA announced the results of an investigation into allegations of inappropriate fan comments directed at Sky players.
According to a league statement released Tuesday afternoon, the WNBA “has not substantiated” the report of racist fan behavior during the May 17 game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
We have investigated the report of racist fan behavior in the vicinity of the court during the May 17, 2025 Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever game.
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 it.
The WNBA is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone and will continue to be vigilant in enforcing our fan code of conduct.
Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines also issued a statement shortly after the league’s findings were released:
We appreciate the swift and thorough process undertaken by the WNBA to investigate these allegations, which were not substantiated. At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, we are committed to providing the best possible basketball experience for players and fans where hate speech has absolutely no place. Indiana is home to the world's greatest fans, and we look forward to an exciting season of Fever basketball.
It remains unclear what the original source of the allegation was. Neither Sky head coach Tyler Marsh nor any players mentioned anything following the game. Marsh was asked when he first became aware of the report.
“I think whenever everyone else did,” he said. “It’s something that we heard about and we’re just forthcoming with anything that the league is able to do investigation wise.”
The game was televised by ABC so there were microphones right by the bench, plus even more cameras than your average game. On top of that, The Fieldhouse is equipped with 4K security cameras throughout the arena, providing another layer of surveillance that could have captured any misconduct, had it occurred.
The Fever and Sky are scheduled to meet again on June 7 in Chicago — the second of five regular-season matchups this year.