PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas backed Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese after fans allegedly directed racial slurs at Reese during a game against the Indiana Fever on May 17.
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Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reacts to a flagrant foul from Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Reese and Indiana’s Caitlin Clark had a heated exchange after a play where Clark made hard contact with Reese. After the game, Reese claimed fans shouted slurs at her, and videos on social media circulated of the alleged actions.
The WNBA began an investigation into the matter with support from both Chicago and Indiana. After a week-long investigation, the league issued a statement that there wasn’t enough evidence to prove the alleged remarks from fans towards Reese.
The following has been released by the WNBA. pic.twitter.com/rFlKQAHmzQ
— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) May 27, 2025
After the Phoenix and Chicago game on May 27, Thomas said she believed Reese despite what the WNBA concluded. Thomas has previously spoken up about fans throwing racial slurs at the players, especially during the playoffs in 2024. She said that as a league, players stick together.
May 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives around Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
“It’s unacceptable,” she said. “It’s something I’m going to continue to fight for, regardless if [the WNBA finds] anything or not. I know there’s a lot of players that have heard a lot of things, so we’re going to continue to support each other.”
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
