Red Panda injured in shocking fall during halftime performance at WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 02, 2025, 20:09 IST
( Image credit : AP, TOIGLOBAL )
During the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final, Red Panda, the renowned halftime performer, suffered a fall from her unicycle while performing her signature bowl-flipping routine. The accident led to immediate concern as she was escorted off the court with a visible wrist injury. Fans and players have expressed their support, hoping for her quick recovery.
A festive atmosphere at the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final turned somber Tuesday night when legendary halftime performer Red Panda suffered a frightening fall mid-performance during her iconic unicycle routine.
The performer, whose real name is Rong Niu, was in the middle of her trademark bowl-flipping act atop her custom-built 8-foot unicycle when she lost her balance and crashed to the court. Witnesses say the crowd gasped as she tumbled down, visibly clutching her left wrist in pain. Moments later, she was escorted off the court in a wheelchair, clearly in distress. As of Wednesday morning, there has been no official update on the extent of her injuries.
Red Panda has been a fixture of halftime entertainment for more than two decades, known for her dazzling acrobatics, precision, and gravity-defying stunts. A regular at both NBA and WNBA games, she has earned a loyal following nationwide, and her appearances are often as anticipated as the games themselves. Just weeks ago, she performed to thunderous applause during Game 5 of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City, showcasing the same high-energy routine that has made her a fan favorite.
Red Panda’s act involves balancing multiple bowls on her foot and flipping them — with pinpoint accuracy — onto her head while pedaling a towering unicycle. The combination of balance, timing, and athleticism has made her a halftime legend. Tuesday’s fall, however, was a stark reminder of the physical risks involved in such a demanding act.
Spectators at the game, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, were initially unsure whether the fall was part of the show. But when Red Panda stayed down, holding her wrist and grimacing in pain, silence fell across the arena. Game officials and medical staff rushed to her side as players and fans looked on with concern.
Social media quickly lit up with well-wishes and concern from fans, fellow performers, and even athletes. “Sending love and healing vibes to Red Panda,” one WNBA player posted. “She's part of the basketball family.”
Red Panda has performed thousands of shows across the country, often traveling solo and carrying her massive unicycle with her. Despite past injuries and even theft of her equipment years ago, she has always returned to the court — a symbol of resilience, discipline, and artistry.
The WNBA has yet to issue a formal statement, and her team has not disclosed her condition as of this writing. For now, fans are left hoping for a speedy and full recovery for the performer who has brought joy, wonder, and a touch of magic to basketball courts for decades.
As one long-time fan tweeted, “Games won’t feel the same until we see Red Panda back in the spotlight — where she belongs.”
The performer, whose real name is Rong Niu, was in the middle of her trademark bowl-flipping act atop her custom-built 8-foot unicycle when she lost her balance and crashed to the court. Witnesses say the crowd gasped as she tumbled down, visibly clutching her left wrist in pain. Moments later, she was escorted off the court in a wheelchair, clearly in distress. As of Wednesday morning, there has been no official update on the extent of her injuries.
Red Panda has been a fixture of halftime entertainment for more than two decades, known for her dazzling acrobatics, precision, and gravity-defying stunts. A regular at both NBA and WNBA games, she has earned a loyal following nationwide, and her appearances are often as anticipated as the games themselves. Just weeks ago, she performed to thunderous applause during Game 5 of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City, showcasing the same high-energy routine that has made her a fan favorite.
An Abrupt Pause in a Storied Career
Spectators at the game, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, were initially unsure whether the fall was part of the show. But when Red Panda stayed down, holding her wrist and grimacing in pain, silence fell across the arena. Game officials and medical staff rushed to her side as players and fans looked on with concern.
Fans, Players Express Concern
Red Panda has performed thousands of shows across the country, often traveling solo and carrying her massive unicycle with her. Despite past injuries and even theft of her equipment years ago, she has always returned to the court — a symbol of resilience, discipline, and artistry.
What’s Next?
As one long-time fan tweeted, “Games won’t feel the same until we see Red Panda back in the spotlight — where she belongs.”