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Red Panda Acrobat Bounces Back After Terrifying Fall
Rong Niu, known as "Red Panda," returns to the court after recovering from a broken wrist sustained in a WNBA game last July.
Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:31pm
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Rong Niu, the popular halftime performer known as "Red Panda," has been wowing crowds for decades with her acrobatic unicycle routine at NBA, WNBA and college basketball games. However, last July she suffered a frightening fall during a WNBA game, breaking her left wrist. After months of recovery, Niu has returned to the court, receiving an outpouring of support from fans who continue to chant her name.
Why it matters
Niu's story highlights the resilience and determination of a performer who has overcome a serious injury to continue doing what she loves. Her act has captivated audiences for years, and her return to the court is a testament to her skill and the loyalty of her fans, who have rallied around her during her recovery.
The details
During the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx last July, Niu fell off her unicycle and crashed to the court about 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, and upon inspecting her unicycle afterwards, she noticed that one of the pedals was slightly bent, likely causing the accident. After about four months of recovery, including surgery, Niu returned to action on October 23 for an Amazon Prime event and then back to the NBA court on November 1.
- On July 26, 2026, Niu suffered a frightening fall during a WNBA game, breaking her left wrist.
- Niu spent 11 hours in a Minneapolis hospital following the incident.
- Niu returned to performing on October 23, 2026 for an Amazon Prime event.
- Niu returned to the NBA court on November 1, 2026 for a game between the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers.
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 for decades with her acrobatic unicycle routine.
Caitlin Clark
A star player for the Indiana Fever, Clark was among those who showed support for Niu on social media following her fall.
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
What’s next
Niu plans to continue performing her acrobatic unicycle routine at NBA, WNBA and college basketball games, determined to show her fans that she can overcome her recent injury.
The takeaway
Rong Niu's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of a performer who has captivated audiences for decades. Despite a frightening fall and serious injury, Niu has returned to the court, buoyed by the unwavering support of her fans who continue to chant her name and eagerly await her next performance.
