WNBA issues statement condemning ‘racist’ fan behavior

After Connecticut Sun All-Star Alyssa Thomas specifically called out fans of the Indiana Fever for making racist remarks during their recently completed playoff series, the WNBA has responded to her plea for the league to do something about it.

Speaking to reporters after the Sun’s 87-81 victory Wednesday night, Thomas said she had never in her 11-year pro career “experienced the racial comments (like) from the Indiana Fever fan base.”

Thomas called the behavior “unacceptable,” and shortly afterward, the WNBA followed up with a statement on social media.

“While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments made about players, teams and anyone affiliated with the league,” the statement said.

The league also said it is “monitoring threat-related activity” and will work with the teams and venues “to take appropriate measures, to include involving law enforcement, as necessary.”

The WNBA has enjoyed unprecedented popularity this season, thanks in large part to the arrival in Indiana of No. 1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark.

While fans have zealously embraced Clark and the excitement she brings to games, many have also brought race into the discussion through criticism (and worse) of other players in the majority-Black league.

“We’ve been professional throughout the whole entire thing,” said Thomas, who is Black. “But I’ve never been called the things that I’ve been called on social media, and there’s no place for it.”