The WNBA is reeling from a major controversy following the Indiana Fever’s 83-77 loss to the Washington Mystics on May 28, 2025, at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. Three referees who officiated the game have been temporarily suspended pending an investigation into their alleged involvement in what could be one of the largest bribery scandals in sports history. The news has sent shockwaves through the basketball community, with Indiana Fever fans clinging to hopes that the game’s outcome may be voided.
The allegations surfaced shortly after the game, which saw the Fever struggle without star player Caitlin Clark, who was sidelined with a left quadriceps strain. According to sources close to the investigation, the referees are accused of accepting bribes to influence key calls during the game, potentially affecting its outcome. While details remain scarce, the WNBA confirmed the suspensions in a brief statement, emphasizing its commitment to integrity and fairness. The league has not disclosed the nature of the alleged bribes or the parties involved, but the scale of the accusations suggests significant implications.
The game itself was closely contested, with the Mystics pulling ahead in the fourth quarter, led by Brittney Sykes’ 21 points and nine rebounds, and rookie Kiki Iriafen’s clutch layups. Fever fans, already frustrated by Clark’s absence, pointed to several questionable calls, including a blocked layup attempt by Kelsey Mitchell in the final minute and a disputed foul call that sent Sykes to the free-throw line. These moments, fans argue, shifted momentum decisively in Washington’s favor. Social media platforms have since exploded with speculation, with hashtags like #VoidTheGame trending among Indiana supporters.
The WNBA’s history of addressing officiating controversies is limited, but the league has previously overturned game results in extreme cases, such as the 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals, where officiating errors were deemed significant. Fever fans are now rallying for a similar outcome, though experts caution that voiding a game is a rare and complex decision. “The burden of proof is high,” said sports analyst Jane McManus. “The WNBA would need concrete evidence that the bribery directly altered the game’s result, which is difficult to establish.”
The suspended referees, whose identities have not been publicly released, are under scrutiny by an independent investigative body appointed by the WNBA. The league has promised a thorough review, but no timeline for the investigation’s conclusion has been provided. Meanwhile, the Fever, now 2-3, are preparing to face the Connecticut Sun on May 30, while the Mystics, at 3-3, will take on the New York Liberty. Both teams have remained silent on the scandal, with coaches and players focusing on upcoming games.
This scandal adds to a challenging week for the Fever, who are adjusting to life without Clark, a key offensive engine. The team’s performance against the Mystics highlighted her absence, with only 77 points scored compared to their season average of 88. Fans, already disappointed by the loss, now face uncertainty about the integrity of the game they witnessed.
As the investigation unfolds, the WNBA faces pressure to restore trust in its officiating process. For Fever fans, the hope of voiding the game remains a long shot, but the controversy has sparked a broader conversation about transparency and accountability in professional sports. The outcome of this probe could have lasting implications for the league, its officials, and the passionate fanbases that fuel its growing popularity.
