Indianapolis, July 1, 2025 — A frightening moment unfolded during the halftime show of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Final as the iconic acrobat known as “Red Panda” suffered a fall mid-performance and was subsequently transported to a local hospital.
The performer, whose real name is Rong “Krystal” Niu, lost balance while executing her signature bowl-flipping unicycle act. The incident occurred in front of a live crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the championship game between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx.
Niu, a longtime fan favorite across professional basketball leagues, was in the midst of her routine when she suddenly toppled from her 7-foot unicycle. She landed hard on the court and immediately clutched her left wrist, indicating a possible injury. On-site medical staff responded within seconds.
Although she managed to briefly stand, Niu was unable to continue and was escorted off the court in a wheelchair. She was then transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Her current condition has not been officially disclosed.
The accident brought the halftime show to an abrupt end and prompted widespread concern across social media. WNBA players, fans, and sports personalities shared their well-wishes for the veteran performer.
Among those offering public support was Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, who posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Red Panda, we love you. Hoping you’re okay and wishing you a speedy recovery.”
Niu, often referred to as the “queen of halftime entertainment,” has captivated audiences for over two decades with her precision, athleticism, and unique act that combines acrobatics with high-risk balancing skills. Her performances have become a staple of NBA, WNBA, and NCAA events, earning her a devoted fan base across generations.
Red Panda’s act involves riding an exceptionally tall unicycle while flipping and catching multiple ceramic bowls onto her head using only her feet. Her ability to execute the routine with precision has been widely praised, but the act also involves a considerable level of risk — a fact that became tragically evident during Monday’s performance.
This is not the first time Niu has experienced a setback during her career. Despite previous injuries and personal hardships, she has repeatedly returned to the stage, earning respect not just for her skill but for her perseverance.
As of Tuesday morning, no additional medical update has been released regarding the extent of her injuries. Organizers of the Commissioner’s Cup have yet to issue an official statement.
The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup is an in-season championship that features top teams from each conference. While the Fever and Lynx resumed play after halftime, much of the conversation both online and within the arena remained centered on Niu’s condition.
Fans and commentators alike are now calling for improved safety measures for halftime performers, especially those involving high-risk acts. Several social media users suggested the league explore options such as protective equipment or floor padding in future events.
For now, the basketball world remains united in support of Red Panda as she recovers from this alarming incident.
