Crowd Favorite Red Panda Injured During Halftime Performance at WNBA Commissioner's Cup Final

The beloved halftime entertainer known as Red Panda suffered an injury during her performance at the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship game between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx at Target Center on Tuesday night, leaving fans stunned and concerned.

Red Panda, whose real name is Rong Niu, is a celebrated acrobat known for her breathtaking performances on an 8-foot-high unicycle, during which she skillfully balances and flips bowls onto her head with mesmerizing precision. A staple of professional basketball games across the NBA, WNBA, and college arenas, she has long been one of the most recognizable and cherished halftime acts in the United States.

Her performance took a frightening turn just moments after it began. Red Panda lost balance on her towering unicycle and tumbled to the court floor in front of a hushed audience. Witnesses said she appeared to injure her wrist and looked visibly shaken. Though she attempted to walk off under her own power, she quickly knelt back down in apparent distress.

Medical personnel rushed to her aid and brought out a wheelchair to safely escort her off the court. According to those present, she did not lose consciousness, but was transported to a hospital for further evaluation. As of late Tuesday evening, no official medical update had been released on her condition.

On the court, the Indiana Fever went on to defeat the Minnesota Lynx 74–59, clinching the Commissioner's Cup title. But concern for Red Panda’s well-being remained a prevailing sentiment long after the final buzzer. Fever coach Stephanie White mentioned in her postgame remarks that the team had been unaware of the accident during the game, but news of it quickly reached the locker room.

Fever star Caitlin Clark, who has been a rising figure in the WNBA this season, took to teammate Sydney Colson's Instagram Live to send her well wishes, saying, “Red Panda, we love you!”, echoing the sentiments of fans and players alike who have admired the acrobat’s artistry for years.

The incident serves as a reminder of the extraordinary talent and physical risk involved in live performances. For many basketball fans, Red Panda is more than a halftime act — she’s a symbol of grace, focus, and tradition. The hope now is for a full recovery and return to the stage for one of the sport’s most iconic entertainers.