Red Panda , the beloved halftime performer known for her dazzling unicycle and bowl-flipping act, suffered a serious injury during Tuesday night’s WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx. The shocking incident unfolded when she lost balance early in her routine, fell forward off her custom-built 8-foot-high unicycle, and was escorted off the court in a wheelchair. While fans anxiously awaited news, Pat McAfee helped deliver an update straight from Red Panda’s team.
Pat McAfee shares emotional update on Red Panda’s injury and recovery journey
The next day, sports media personality Pat McAfee shared a message from Red Panda’s team on X, giving the first official word on her condition. “Thank you very much to all NBA, WNBA, Universities, media individuals and her ever supporting fans for your kindness and concern. Last night at Lynx/Fever, she took a fall at the very beginning of the show, due to left paddle of her unicycle was damaged during transit, her left wrist was severely fractured at the same spot for the 2nd time,” the statement read.
According to the update, Red Panda — whose real name is Rong Niu — spent 11 hours at a Minneapolis hospital following the fall. Two members of the Minnesota Lynx staff, Greta and Sheridan, stayed by her side throughout the night. “She is very grateful. She is on her way home now and the Doctors in Minneapolis have recommended that as soon as she gets home, she meet with an orthopedic surgeon for the 2nd part of repair,” the statement continued.