Fan-favorite performer Red Panda defies odds with powerful NBA return following career-threatening wrist injury

Fans at Chicago’s United Center were treated to a moment of pure joy as Red Panda , one of basketball’s most beloved halftime performers, made her long-awaited NBA return. The acrobat, whose real name is Rong Niu , performed her signature unicycle and bowl-balancing routine during halftime of the Bulls’ matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, marking her first NBA appearance since a devastating injury threatened to end her career.

Red Panda suffered a fractured left wrist during a July 1 performance at the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx. The fall sent her to a Minneapolis hospital, where she spent 11 hours undergoing treatment. Just months later, she has defied the odds, once again taking center stage in front of roaring fans who greeted her return with thunderous applause.

Red Panda makes triumphant NBA return after wrist injury setback

Known worldwide for her gravity-defying unicycle act, Red Panda’s performance involves flipping and stacking custom-made porcelain bowls on her head with incredible precision. Her comeback performance on Tuesday night was a stunning example of resilience.

After undergoing surgery and months of recovery, she returned to action with the same confidence and grace that have made her an icon across NBA arenas for three decades.

“Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee's BACK 🔴🐼. Iconic unicycle performer Red Panda returns to the NBA halftime floor tonight in Chicago!” Chicago Bulls wrote on X.

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee's BACK 🔴🐼

Iconic unicycle performer Red Panda returns to the NBA halftime floor tonight in Chicago! pic.twitter.com/bHg7LwPVpS

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 4, 2025

Her agent, Patrick Figley, confirmed that Niu had already made a soft return on October 23 during an Amazon Prime event and a few university shows before stepping back into the NBA spotlight.

She’s been working hard to get back, and the fans have been waiting for this moment, Figley revealed, noting that her recovery process required intense physical therapy and conditioning.

Since her debut during a Los Angeles Clippers game in 1993, Red Panda has become synonymous with NBA halftime entertainment, captivating audiences from regular-season games to NBA Finals appearances. Her last major outing before the injury came during Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals in Oklahoma City.

Now, with her wrist fully healed and confidence restored, Red Panda appears ready to reclaim her place as the league’s most iconic halftime act . Her return reminds fans why she remains the true GOAT of halftime performances. It appears that fans will be able to see Red Panda’s performances in more upcoming games as the NBA going deep into competitive games following the beginning of the regular season.

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