Wizards apologize for April Fools’ half-court shot prank

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

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

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

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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 on October 28, 2025. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

“Someone’s rich,” the arena announcer said. “The mascots go crazy. The contestant goes crazy. The crowd goes 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 on January 19, 2026, in Washington, DC. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

“You didn’t see it, we all saw it. Do you want to see it?” the host continued as the fan held up an oversized presentation check. “Alright, take a look at the screen for the replay.”

The team gave the fan a signed jersey and fieldside seats for an upcoming game as a consolation prize. Amid Thursday’s backlash, the Wizards admitted they “missed the point” in apologizing for the scripted April Fool’s stunt.

“We apologize for last night’s April Fool’s prank that left many people wondering if we had misled fans. The skit involving our mascot and other members of our performance team was scripted and intended to celebrate the day. Everyone involved was in on the joke, but we missed the point. Our fans are our priority and we continue to be committed to providing a positive experience for everyone who attends 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 fell short again, losing its fourth straight game. The 153-131 loss helped the 76ers maintain sixth place in the Eastern Conference heading into the playoffs.

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