Halftime Performer Red Panda Returns to NBA After Wrist Injury
Popular halftime performer Rong Niu, known as Red Panda, made her return to NBA games today, November 5, 2025, performing during the Chicago Bulls’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Niu sustained a broken left wrist on July 1 during a performance at the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx, requiring 11 hours of treatment at a Minneapolis hospital. Her agent, Patrick Figley, confirmed that Niu first returned to performing on October 23 at an Amazon Prime event, followed by appearances at several universities before her NBA return.
Red Panda’s act features impressive balancing skills, riding a unicycle while stacking and flipping custom-made bowls on her head. She has become a familiar face at basketball games across the country, including a performance at Game 5 of the NBA Finals in June. Her performances add a unique and popular element to the game-day experience for fans.
Niu, a Chinese American performer, is expected to continue her schedule of appearances at both NBA and college basketball games. Figley stated that Niu is feeling strong and is happy to be back performing for fans.
