Wizards apologize after fan backlash over half-court prank; skit 'intended to celebrate' April Fools' Day

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The Washington Wizards’ forgettable 2025-26 season drew attention across the NBA Wednesday night, but not for their latest on-court struggles.

Instead, the team’s April Fools’ attempt was an airball. The Wizards, who entered Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers with the NBA’s worst record, had a fan attempt a blindfolded half-court shot for an apparent cash prize.

The fan’s shot ultimately fell well short of the net. But for a brief moment, the fan, along with the in-arena announcers and mascots, celebrated what they thought was a win.

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A general view of a Wilson basketball on the court during the second half of the game between the Washington Wizards and the Philadelphia 76ers at Capital One Arena Oct. 28, 2025. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

"Somebody's rich," the in-arena host said. "The mascots are going crazy. The contestant is going crazy. The crowd is going crazy."

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The fan later saw on a jumbotron replay that the shot missed, and the Wizards admitted the misdirection was part of an April Fools’ Day prank.

Fans hold signs during the second half of a game between the Washington Wizards and the Los Angeles Clippers at Capital One Arena Jan. 19, 2026, in Washington, DC. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

"You didn't see it, we all saw it. You want to see it?" the host continued as the fan held up an oversized presentation check. "All right, take a look at the screen for the replay."

The team gave the fan an autographed jersey and courtside seats to a future game as a consolation prize. Amid backlash