Several WNBA players and league officials, including Indiana Fever’sSophie Cunningham, have issued public statements after sex toys were thrown onto the court during live games.
The events have prompted safety concerns and disciplinary action, including the arrest and suspension of one individual.
The first incident occurred on July 29 during a game between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries, when a bright green object was thrown onto the playing surface.
It was later confirmed to be a sex toy. A similar object was thrown during the Valkyries’ game against the Chicago Sky three days later, landing near the basket during the third quarter. In both cases, play was briefly interrupted while game officials removed the object.
Players call for increased security
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham responded publicly to the incidents, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us.” Cunningham’s statement was one of several from league athletes expressing concern over the safety risks posed by such behavior.
New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison also criticized the lack of effective security at WNBA arenas. “ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous,” Harrison wrote on social media.
Chicago Sky center Elizabeth Williams provided a direct post-game statement, calling the acts “super disrespectful” and “immature.” She added, “Whoever is doing it needs to grow up,” reinforcing the broader sentiment among players that such conduct is unacceptable.
The WNBA issue response
In response, the WNBA issued an official statement confirming disciplinary action had been taken against the individual responsible for the first incident.
“The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league,” the statement said. “Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans.”
The league further clarified that, in accordance with its Arena Security Standards, any individual who intentionally throws an object onto the court will be immediately ejected, face a minimum one-year ban, and may be subject to arrest and prosecution under local laws.
The individual responsible for the July 29 incident has been arrested and banned from attending WNBA events for one year.
The identity of the person has not been released. No link has yet been established between the two incidents, and no information has been made public regarding the second individual involved.
The league has not specified whether additional security protocols will be introduced as a result of these incidents. However, the public reactions from players suggest a growing concern over the adequacy of current safety measures during games.
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