News Summary
The WNBA is dealing with a disturbing trend of fans throwing sex toys onto the basketball courts, raising significant safety issues. Recent incidents have occurred in various cities, including Los Angeles, where a toy was thrown during a game against the Indiana Fever. Players and officials are alarmed, emphasizing the need for fan respect and safety in the arenas. The league has responded with strict penalties for offenders, including ejection from games and bans from future events, in order to ensure a secure atmosphere for players and attendees alike.
Los Angeles – The WNBA is facing a troubling trend as multiple incidents of sex toys being thrown onto the courts have occurred across various cities over the past week, raising significant safety concerns. The most recent incident took place on August 1, 2025, during a game between the Los Angeles Sparks and Indiana Fever at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. A green sex toy landed near Fever guard Sophie Cunningham with 2:05 remaining in the second quarter, prompting surprise from both players and fans alike.
In response to the incident, Kelsey Plum, a guard for the Sparks, swiftly kicked the toy into the stands. Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts criticized the action, calling it “ridiculous,” “dumb,” and “stupid,” while underscoring the importance of player safety during games. Cunningham, who has previously expressed her worries on social media about objects being thrown onto the court, reiterated her concerns following the incident, humorously referencing her earlier plea for fans to refrain from such behavior.
Prior to the Los Angeles incident, there were multiple occurrences of similar actions in other cities. In Atlanta, during a game against the Golden State Valkyries, a fan named Delbert Carver was arrested and charged after throwing a sex toy onto the court. This occurred during a match on July 29, and led to charges of disorderly conduct, public indecency, and criminal trespass. The issue persisted, as another sex toy was thrown during a Chicago Sky game against the Golden State Valkyries on the same day, although officials quickly removed it without further disruption. Additionally, there were reports of green sex toys being thrown during games in Phoenix and New York, where they did not make it onto the court but raised eyebrows among attendees. In one incident, a toy landed near a child in the stands at the Barclays Center.
In response to the rising occurrences of fan misconduct, the WNBA has taken a firm stance on maintaining a safe environment for everyone attending games. The league has implemented strict consequences for individuals caught throwing objects onto the court, which includes immediate ejection from the arena as well as a minimum one-year ban from WNBA events. Local authorities are also involved, considering the potential legal repercussions for those who engage in such disruptive behavior.
The escalation of incidents involving thrown objects highlights the need for fans to adhere to proper conduct during games. The WNBA has communicated its commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of players, officials, and fans alike, stating that ensuring a respectful and secure atmosphere is essential for the continuation of the sport and its community.
As the league navigates these disturbances, the WNBA remains focused on fostering an enjoyable experience for all attendees while addressing the importance of player safety and respect within their arenas. The hope is that with increased awareness and repercussions, these incidents will diminish, allowing the focus to return to the athleticism and sportsmanship that defines women’s basketball.
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