The person spoke to The Associated Press on Sunday on condition of anonymity because the league had not publicly identified the subject of the taunts or who made the allegations.

“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, who is Black, and Clark, who is white, met for the seventh time in their ongoing — and much-talked-about — rivalry. Clark was named Rookie of the Year last season and Reese finished second in the voting.

The WNBA Players Union released a statement soon after the league’s comment on the matter.

“The WNBPA is aware of reports of hateful comments at yesterday’s game in Indianapolis and supports the WNBA’s current investigation into this matter. Such behavior is unacceptable in our sport,” the statement said. “Under the WNBA’s ‘No Space for Hate’ policy, we trust the league to thoroughly investigate and take swift, appropriate action to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.”

Sky president and CEO Adam Fox said later Sunday in a statement that the organization welcomes the league’s investigation.

“We will do everything in our power to protect Chicago Sky players, and we encourage the league to continue taking meaningful steps to create a safe environment for all WNBA players,” he said.

The Sky and Fever will play four more times during the regular season.

“We are aware of the allegations of inappropriate fan conduct during yesterday’s game and we are working closely with the WNBA to complete their investigation,” the Fever said in a statement. “We stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players.”

Reese had 12 points and 17 rebounds in the 93-58 loss to the Fever. The Sky forward and Clark had an incident on the court with 4:38 left in the third quarter. It started with Reese grabbing an offensive rebound and Clark slapping Reese’s arm hard enough to jar the ball loose and knock Reese to floor.

When Reese got up, she tried to confront Clark before Indiana center Aliyah Boston stepped in between the players. Clark’s third personal foul was upgraded to a flagrant 1, while Boston and Reese each drew technical fouls following a replay review by the referees.

Both players downplayed the play after the game.

The league launched “No Space for Hate” this season, a multi-dimensional platform designed to combat hate and promote respect across all WNBA spaces both online and in arenas.

The league is focused on four areas: enhanced technological features to detect hateful comments online; increased emphasis on team, arena and league security measures; reinforcing mental health resources; and alignment against hate.

This will be the league’s first test of it.

“It’s nice in words, but we got to see actions,” Aces star A’ja Wilson said Friday after practice. “Hopefully people can take actions and understand this is bigger than basketball. We’re true people behind it. Any shoe that we wear, any jersey we have on, we’re human. People have to respect that. I hope they pay attention and listen to the words.”

WNBA star Angel Reese has called for a MASSIVE boycott of American Eagle, denouncing the brand’s latest ad campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney as “disgusting and disrespectful to black culture.”

WNBA Star Angel Reese Calls for MASSIVE Boycott of American Eagle Over Sydney Sweeney Campaign: “Disgusting and Disrespectful to Black Culture” 😱🔥The fashion world and sports world have collided in a storm of controversy after WNBA star Angel Reese publicly called for a massive boycott of American Eagle, slamming the brand’s latest ad campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney as “disgusting and disrespectful to Black culture.”

Angel Reese’s Explosive Accusation

Reese, known not only for her dominance on the court but also for her fearless voice off it, took to social media late last night to unleash a fiery statement:

“American Eagle’s new ad isn’t edgy, it’s exploitation. It’s disgusting and disrespectful to Black culture. We will not be silent about this.”

Her words immediately set the internet ablaze, sparking heated debates across platforms and sending hashtags like #BoycottAmericanEagle and #AngelVsAE to the top of trending charts.

Sydney Sweeney in the Crosshairs

The campaign, starring rising Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney, was initially intended to present a bold new direction for the brand. Instead, critics — led by Reese — claim it leans on harmful stereotypes and appropriates cultural imagery for profit.

Though Sweeney has not commented on the controversy, her association with the campaign has left her at the center of the backlash.

“Sydney Sweeney didn’t design the ad, but she signed up for it — and that makes her part of the problem,” one fan tweeted.

Divided Reactions

The fallout has split public opinion sharply:

• Supporters of Reese argue she’s standing up against a long pattern of corporate exploitation of Black culture.
• Critics counter that she’s unfairly targeting Sweeney and escalating the issue beyond the brand’s intent.

On Instagram, one supporter wrote:

“Angel Reese is doing what stars should — using her platform to call out disrespect.”

But others pushed back:

“Canceling Sydney Sweeney for this is ridiculous. Aim your anger at the brand, not her.”

American Eagle Silent — For Now

So far, American Eagle has remained silent, declining to comment on Reese’s remarks or the swelling boycott movement. Industry insiders say the company is in crisis talks, weighing whether to defend the campaign or pull it altogether.

The stakes are high: analysts warn the boycott could do serious damage to American Eagle’s sales if Reese’s influence rallies enough support.

A Flashpoint in Culture

Angel Reese’s call to action has once again proven her influence reaches far beyond basketball. Whether this ends Sydney Sweeney’s rise as a brand ambassador or forces American Eagle into retreat, one thing is clear: the fight has already sparked a cultural reckoning.