Acrobat 'Red Panda' Rebounds After Terrifying Fall

Beloved halftime performer returns to the court after recovering from a broken wrist sustained during a WNBA game.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:07pm

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Rong Niu, known as the acrobatic performer 'Red Panda', has returned to the court after a frightening fall during a WNBA game last July that left her with a broken left wrist. Niu, who has been performing her signature unicycle and bowl-balancing act at NBA, WNBA, and college basketball games since 1993, spent 11 hours in a Minneapolis hospital following the incident. After discovering her unicycle pedal was slightly bent, likely causing the fall, Niu has worked to overcome her lingering fears and has received an outpouring of support from fans eager to see her return to the court.

Why it matters

Niu's story highlights the resilience and determination of a performer who has dedicated her life to her craft, as well as the loyal fanbase that has rallied around her in the wake of her injury. Her return to the court also underscores the importance of proper equipment maintenance and the risks inherent in high-level acrobatic performances.

The details

During the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx, Niu fell off her unicycle and crashed to the court a minute into her performance. She was helped off the court by wheelchair and later diagnosed with a broken left wrist. Niu spent 11 hours in a Minneapolis hospital, where she inspected her unicycle and discovered that one of the pedals was slightly bent, likely causing the fall. After about four months of recovery, Niu returned to action on October 23 for an Amazon Prime event and then back to the NBA court on November 1 for a game between the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers.

  • On July 26, 2025, Niu fell off her unicycle during a WNBA game.
  • Niu spent 11 hours in a Minneapolis hospital following the incident.
  • Niu returned to performing on October 23, 2025.
  • Niu returned to the NBA court on November 1, 2025.

The players

Rong Niu

Also known as 'Red Panda', Niu is a popular halftime performer who has been entertaining crowds at NBA, WNBA, and college basketball games since 1993 with her signature unicycle and bowl-balancing act.

Indiana Fever

A professional women's basketball team that competed in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final against the Minnesota Lynx, where Niu's fall occurred.

Minnesota Lynx

A professional women's basketball team that competed in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final against the Indiana Fever, where Niu's fall occurred.

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What they’re saying

“I feel so much support. It's beyond support — I don't know. I don't have a better word to describe that feeling. That was beyond appreciation.”

— Rong Niu

“I now realize I was disoriented. It was not just pain right here. I wasn't very clear because of the impact. They said, 'Can you walk?' I said, 'Yes,' and then I tried to stand up and walk. And then, I think I was passing out.”

— Rong Niu

“Normally I would set up the unicycle. I will test it. I test like this. I test it. But I didn't test (the pedal).”

— Rong Niu

What’s next

Niu plans to continue performing her acrobatic routine at basketball games and events, with a focus on ensuring her equipment is properly maintained to prevent any future falls or injuries.

The takeaway

Rong Niu's story of resilience and determination in the face of a frightening injury has inspired her loyal fanbase and underscores the importance of proper equipment maintenance and safety precautions for high-risk performers. Her return to the court is a testament to her passion for her craft and the unwavering support of the basketball community.