In a jaw-dropping development that has rocked the WNBA, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese is reportedly preparing a formal petition to league commissioner Cathy Engelbert, demanding a complete ban on all Indiana Fever fans at games against the Sky starting in the 2026 season. Sources close to the All-Star forward say this radical move stems from what Reese describes as “relentless, soul-crushing booing” during the Sky’s humiliating 93-58 loss to the Fever on May 17, 2025. The game, highly anticipated for the Reese-Clark rivalry, quickly turned into a tense powder keg, with Fever supporters’ chants reportedly reaching deafening levels.
Reese, visibly frustrated on the court, confronted Fever star Caitlin Clark during a brief scuffle that also involved center Aliyah Boston, later stating that the hostile environment directly contributed to the Sky’s disastrous performance. “Those boos weren’t just noise – they were weapons,” Reese told confidants in a post-game rant. “They fueled their fire, broke our rhythm, and straight-up stole our win. Next season? No more. Ban ’em all.” The leaked remarks have ignited a wildfire of debate across social media, with fans split between praise for Reese’s bold stance and ridicule of her audacious demand.
The feud between Reese and Clark traces back to their 2023 NCAA championship showdown, which was marked by heated trash talk and gesture controversies. Clark’s arrival in Indiana intensified fan fervor, transforming Gainbridge Fieldhouse into a hostile arena for Reese. Over the 2025 season, the Sky struggled mightily, and Reese, despite averaging 14.5 points and 10.2 rebounds, became a lightning rod for criticism. Her frustrations were compounded by the Fever’s vocal fanbase, which Reese claims created a toxic atmosphere undermining her team’s morale.
Reese has reportedly secured backing from Sky veterans Kamilla Cardoso and Marina Mabrey, framing the petition as part of the WNBA’s “No Space for Hate” initiative. Ironically, that policy was tested during the May 17 game after allegations of racial slurs directed at Reese, though the league’s investigation found no substantiating evidence. Nevertheless, Reese remains adamant that fan hostility played a pivotal role in the Sky’s defeat, insisting the WNBA must act to ensure fair competition.
The proposal has drawn immediate reactions from league insiders and fans alike. One Eastern Conference executive described it as “nuclear,” noting that banning an entire fanbase is unprecedented in professional sports. Fever leadership, including coach Stephanie White and CEO Mel Raines, defended their supporters, describing them as passionate rather than malicious. Meanwhile, social media erupted with memes, debates, and viral commentary, further fueling the saga.
As the Sky look toward the draft and the Fever chase another championship, Reese’s petition could redefine fan accountability in women’s basketball. Whether the WNBA will grant her demand remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Reese-Clark rivalry, already one of the most captivating stories in women’s sports, has entered a new, explosive chapter. Reese’s full petition is expected to drop later this week, promising to make next summer’s Sky-Fever matchups the most talked-about – and potentially fan-free – events in league history.
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