Wizards apologize for April Fools’ half-court shot prank

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 Thursday, the Wizards admitted they “missed the mark” in an apology for the scripted April Fools’ stunt.

“We apologize for last night’s April Fools’ joke that left many wondering if we had misled the fan. The skit involving our mascot and other members of our performance team was scripted and intended to celebrate the day. All participants were in on the joke, but we missed the mark. Our fans are our priority, and we continue to be committed to providing a positive experience to all who attend our games.”

Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) shoots the ball over Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) in the second half at Capital One Arena on April 1, 2026; in Washington, District of Columbia. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)

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As for Wednesday’s NBA action, Washington came up short again, dropping its fourth straight game. The 153-131 loss helped the 76ers hold the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference as the playoffs near.

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