In a series of unprecedented incidents, WNBA games have been disrupted by fans throwing sex toys onto the court, raising concerns about player safety, respect for the sport, and arena security. Over the past two weeks, three such incidents have occurred, prompting strong reactions from players, league officials, and fans alike. These disruptions, occurring during a time of record-breaking attendance and growing popularity for the WNBA, have cast a shadow over the league’s efforts to maintain a safe and professional environment.
The first incident took place on July 29, 2025, during a tightly contested game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. With less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, a neon green sex toy was thrown onto the court near the free-throw line, causing a brief stoppage in play. Arena staff quickly removed the object, and the Valkyries secured a 77-75 victory. The individual responsible was arrested, according to a WNBA statement.
Just three days later, on August 1, 2025, a similar incident occurred during the Valkyries’ 73-66 road win against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. In the third quarter, another green sex toy was thrown from the stands, landing just out of bounds under a basket. An official kicked the object aside, and it was removed by staff using a towel. It remains unclear whether the perpetrator in Chicago was apprehended.
Sophie Cunningham on X (formerly Twitter): “stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us. / X”
stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us.
The third incident happened on August 5, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Los Angeles Sparks in Los Angeles. A bright green sex toy was thrown onto the court in the second quarter after a free throw by Sparks player Kelsey Plum, who kicked it off the court. Sparks coach Lynne Roberts called the act “ridiculous, dumb, stupid, and dangerous.” This was the first incident not involving the Valkyries, suggesting the behavior may be spreading.
WNBA players have been vocal about their frustration and concern, emphasizing both the disrespect and the safety hazards posed by these actions. Chicago Sky center Elizabeth Williams, after the August 1 incident, called it “super disrespectful” and “immature,” urging those responsible to “grow up.” Golden State Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini, reflecting on the Atlanta incident, noted the danger, saying, “One of our players almost got hit with it, so that’s very dangerous,” though she admitted some players laughed upon realizing what the object was.
New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison, who was not involved in either game, took to social media to express her outrage: “ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.” Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham echoed this sentiment, posting, “Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us.” Some players, like Angel Reese, have made light of the situation, with Reese jokingly blaming teammate Sophie Cunningham, but the overriding sentiment is one of condemnation.
The WNBA has taken a firm stance against these disruptions, emphasizing that the “safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority.” The league’s Arena Security Standards mandate that any fan who intentionally throws an object onto the court will face immediate ejection, a minimum one-year ban, and potential arrest and prosecution by local authorities. The fan responsible for the Atlanta incident was arrested, but no information has been released regarding arrests in the Chicago or Los Angeles cases.
Sophie Cunningham on X (formerly Twitter): “this did NOT age well. https://t.co/K1WGbOWEjJ / X”
this did NOT age well. https://t.co/K1WGbOWEjJ
