Red Panda Performer Recounts Terrifying Fall and Outpouring of Support

Rong Niu, known as 'Red Panda,' opens up about her recovery after a frightening incident during a WNBA game.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:55pm

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Rong Niu, the popular halftime performer known as 'Red Panda,' recently spoke about her terrifying fall during a WNBA game last July and the overwhelming support she received from fans during her recovery. Niu, who comes from a family of acrobats, has been performing her signature unicycle and bowl-balancing act at NBA, WNBA, and college basketball games since 1993. However, during the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final, Niu fell off her unicycle and suffered a broken left wrist, requiring surgery and four months of recovery. Despite the traumatic experience, Niu has returned to the court, buoyed by the outpouring of support from fans who continue to chant her name and express their appreciation for her talent.

Why it matters

Niu's story highlights the resilience and dedication of a performer who has captivated audiences for decades with her unique and daring act. The incident also showcases the power of fan support and how it can help an athlete or performer overcome a setback and return to the spotlight. Niu's journey serves as an inspiration to others who may face challenges in their own lives and careers.

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 remained down for several minutes, was eventually helped off by wheelchair, and was later diagnosed with a broken left wrist. Niu spent 11 hours in a Minneapolis hospital, where she discovered that one of the pedals on her unicycle was slightly bent, likely causing the accident. After surgery and four months of recovery, Niu has returned to performing, though she still has lingering thoughts about the fall.

  • On July 26, 2025, Niu fell off her unicycle during the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final.
  • Niu spent 11 hours in a Minneapolis hospital following the incident.
  • Niu returned to performing on October 23, 2025, for an Amazon Prime event.
  • Niu returned to the NBA court on November 1, 2025, 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 audiences at NBA, WNBA, and college basketball games since 1993 with her signature unicycle and bowl-balancing act.

Caitlin Clark

A star player for the Indiana Fever, who showed support for Niu on social media following her fall.

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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'm not saying I'm that good or anything. I generally don't fall. Bowls fall, because the bowls are going into the air and sometimes I'm not able to control (them). But riding the unicycle ... it shouldn't be out of control.”

— Rong Niu

“I still have the thoughts. I still have the thoughts when I start pedaling.”

— Rong Niu

What’s next

Niu plans to continue performing her signature act at basketball games, with fans eagerly awaiting her return to the court.

The takeaway

Rong Niu's story of resilience and the unwavering support of her fans serves as an inspiration to others who may face setbacks in their own lives and careers. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to overcome a traumatic incident demonstrate the power of perseverance and the positive impact that fan support can have on an individual's journey.