Third Sex Toy Thrown Onto WNBA Court Sparks Outrage and Calls for Action

By Cameron McMillan and Christopher Reive | August 6, 2025

During a tense and emotionally charged moment in the WNBA, a sex toy was thrown onto the court at the Crypto.com Arena during the Indiana Fever’s 100-91 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. This incident marks the third time in seven days that erotic objects have been hurled at players, raising serious concerns about fan behavior and safety in professional sports.

The incident occurred when the toy struck Sophie Cunningham, a forward for the Indiana Fever, during the game. The match was briefly paused as players and officials worked to remove the object from the court, but the disruption underscored the growing frustration among players and league officials over this disturbing trend.

Cunningham, who had previously posted on social media to discourage fans from throwing sex toys, later admitted her comment may have inadvertently encouraged the behavior. “No way that actually hit me, I know I should not have tweeted that,” she said, expressing regret over her words.

This is the third such incident in just over a week. The first occurred during a game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream in Georgia, where a man named Delbert Carver was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, public indecency, and criminal trespass. The second incident took place during the Valkyries’ game against the Chicago Sky, and both events were widely condemned by players and fans alike.

Despite the WNBA’s swift response, including a statement threatening ejection and a one-year ban for anyone found throwing objects onto the court, the trend continues to escalate. The league has emphasized the importance of safety, stating that any object thrown onto the court poses a risk not only to players but also to fans and officials.

Elizabeth Williams, a center for the Sky, called the act “super disrespectful” and urged fans to “grow up.” Meanwhile, Los Angeles Sparks coach Lynne Roberts described the behavior as “ridiculous, dumb, and stupid,” emphasizing that player safety is the top priority.

While some speculate that the incidents could be a form of protest, no organization has publicly claimed responsibility. The repeated nature of the events has led to concerns that they may be “copycat” incidents, further complicating efforts to address the issue.

The WNBA has reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict security measures and ensuring that fans who breach the rules face severe consequences. However, the league is also considering additional measures to deter such behavior, including increased security presence and fan education campaigns.

As the season progresses, the WNBA must now confront this growing challenge head-on. The repeated disruptions and the potential safety risks involved cannot be ignored. Players, coaches, and fans alike are calling for a stronger response from the league to protect the integrity of the game and the well-being of everyone involved.