Red Panda suffers injury during WNBA halftime show performance
- Red Panda fell off her unicycle during a performance at the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final on June 30, 2025.
- Medical staff quickly provided assistance, and she was taken off the court in a wheelchair for evaluation.
- Fans and players showed concern and support for her well-being after the incident.
In the United States, during the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final on June 30, 2025, the beloved halftime performer known as Red Panda experienced a severe fall while performing her routine. The event took place between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center, an important venue for basketball events. Known for her extraordinary act of riding a 7-foot unicycle while balancing bowls on her leg and flipping them onto her head, Red Panda, whose real name is Rong Niu, has captivated audiences for many years. As she began her performance, Red Panda waved to the crowd but soon tipped forward from her unicycle, crashing to the hardwood floor. Medical staff quickly attended to her due to concerns about her wrist injury and potential damage to her body from the fall. The incident raised worries among fans regarding her safety and well-being, and she required assistance from medical personnel, who wheeled her off the court. Social media was flooded with messages of support and prayers for her swift recovery from her devoted fan base. This incident temporarily halted the game as arena staff addressed the dent formed in the court from her fall. Red Panda had previously fallen during a performance in 2018 but sustained no injuries at that time. However, the latest accident was more serious. Following her spill, video footage shared on platforms showed her wincing in pain while grabbing her left wrist. Post-game updates indicated she was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and monitoring. Despite the unfortunate event, the Indiana Fever triumphed against the Minnesota Lynx with a score of 74-59, claiming victory in the WNBA's in-season tournament, the Commissioner's Cup. The match was notable for several players, including Natasha Howard, who led her team with impressive stats, while the absence of All-Star Caitlin Clark due to a groin injury did not negatively impact the Fever’s performance. Nevertheless, the highlight of the evening—the halftime show featuring Red Panda—turned troubled, casting a shadow over the team's win and igniting conversations about performer safety in sports events.