On a night meant to celebrate the pinnacle of WNBA competition, the 2025 Commissioner's Cup final at Minnesota's Target Center was overshadowed by a startling incident involving one of basketball's most beloved halftime entertainers, Red Panda. Known offstage as Rong "Krystal" Niu, the acrobat suffered a dramatic fall just seconds into her routine, leaving fans and players alike concerned about her well-being.
Red Panda's act is nothing short of mesmerizing — a blend of balance, precision, and daring athleticism. Riding a custom-built unicycle that towers approximately 7 to 8 feet above the court, she juggles and flips up to a dozen custom-made bowls on her head and feet. This performance has become a staple of NBA and WNBA halftime shows for decades, captivating audiences with its seeming impossibility. Her career began in 1993 when the Los Angeles Clippers needed a last-minute halftime replacement, and she quickly became a fixture, performing over 40 NBA games in the 1994-95 season alone. Over the years, Red Panda has expanded her reach beyond basketball arenas, appearing on popular television competitions such as Season 8 of America's Got Talent, where she reached the quarterfinals, and Britain's Got Talent, making the semifinals in 2025.
Tuesday's incident occurred during the halftime intermission of the fiercely contested Commissioner's Cup championship game between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx. After mounting her unicycle via a ladder, Red Panda began her routine, but within five seconds, she lost her balance. Eyewitnesses describe how the unicycle's seat slid out from beneath her, causing her to fall forward onto the court. Immediately clutching her left wrist and forearm, she exhibited visible pain. Although she managed to stand and briefly wave to the crowd, she soon sat down, signaling that the injury was more severe than initially hoped.
Medical personnel promptly attended to her, and she was eventually helped into a wheelchair and wheeled off the court to a standing ovation from the crowd, who clearly appreciated her years of dedication and the gravity of the moment. While she did not lose consciousness, a WNBA source confirmed she was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and tests. No official update on her condition has been released yet, but fans and players alike are sending their heartfelt support.
The fall also caused a brief delay as arena staff repaired a dent in the court caused by the impact. Despite the disruption, the Indiana Fever rallied in the second half, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 74-59 to claim the $500,000 prize pool. Fever star Caitlin Clark, who had been sidelined earlier in the game due to a groin injury, took a moment during a postgame Instagram Live hosted by teammate Sydney Colson to send a message of encouragement. "Red Panda, we love you!" Clark exclaimed, reflecting the sentiments of the entire basketball community.
Red Panda's resilience is well documented. She previously suffered a broken arm in 2013 after a similar fall during practice, an injury that sidelined her for 10 months. In a 2018 interview with SB Nation, she spoke candidly about the fear that injury reignited. "At the beginning, I was riding unicycles two-and-a-half feet high. Then, once you get better, you change the height. After riding like a year or two, you don’t feel the fear any more. You’re getting used to it. But then a few years ago, I fell and broke my arm. That made me feel that fear again. But after a while, you get over that," she said. Her comeback after that injury only added to her legend, proving her dedication to her craft and her fans.
Her act is not just a halftime show; it is a display of artistry and athleticism that has become an integral part of basketball culture. From the NBA Finals to college arenas, Red Panda's performances are eagerly anticipated. Just last month, in June 2025, she performed during Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
The 2025 Commissioner's Cup final was already a high-stakes matchup, with the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx battling for the prestigious midseason trophy. Despite the absence of Caitlin Clark on the court due to her injury, the Fever showcased strong teamwork and determination. The game featured standout performances from Lynx stars Napheesa Collier and Aliyah Boston, but Indiana's cohesive play ultimately secured the victory.
Coach Stephanie White of the Indiana Fever noted after the game that the team was unaware of Red Panda’s fall until after the match. "We were in the locker room celebrating when we heard the news," White said. The incident added a somber note to what was otherwise a triumphant evening for the Fever.
Red Panda's legacy extends beyond her performances. As a fourth-generation Chinese American acrobat, she carries a rich family tradition of performing arts, blending cultural heritage with modern entertainment. Her unique skill set and longevity in a physically demanding role make her an iconic figure in the sports entertainment world.
Fans and fellow performers are now waiting anxiously for updates on her condition. The basketball community has rallied around her, hoping for a swift and full recovery. Red Panda’s fall serves as a reminder of the risks performers take to bring joy and wonder to audiences worldwide, and her courage continues to inspire.
As the WNBA season progresses, the spotlight will inevitably return to the court, but the memory of Tuesday night’s dramatic halftime will linger. Red Panda’s artistry and bravery have left an indelible mark on sports entertainment, and her fans eagerly await the day she once again rides her towering unicycle, bowls balanced expertly, dazzling crowds as only she can.
