WNBA Seeks Criminal Charges Against Fans Throwing Sex Toys on Courts

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On August 8, 2025, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) issued a statement announcing collaboration with local and federal law enforcement to pursue criminal charges, including potential felonies, against individuals throwing sex toys onto courts during games, emphasizing player and fan safety. The league’s response follows a series of disruptive incidents that threaten the integrity of the sport and highlight the need for stronger arena security measures.

The WNBA’s statement, reported by USA Today, declared, “The safety of everyone in our arenas remains a top priority. We are working closely with local and federal law enforcement to pursue all appropriate actions, including arrest and prosecution with felony charges where applicable against anyone engaged in this conduct or otherwise involved in sponsoring this reckless and unacceptable behavior.” This follows six reported incidents over the past ten days, with four involving objects reaching the court during live play. The most recent occurred on August 7 during the Atlanta Dream’s 86-65 victory over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena, where a purple sex toy landed on the court in the final seconds, halting play, per NBC Chicago.

The disturbances began on July 29 during a Golden State Valkyries versus Atlanta Dream game in College Park, Georgia, where 23-year-old Delbert Carver was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, public indecency, indecent exposure, and criminal trespass, according to The Straits Times. Carver, released on bond, faces misdemeanor charges that could lead to fines up to $1,000 or 12 months in jail, potentially requiring sex offender registration. On August 1, another incident occurred during a Valkyries-Sky game in Chicago, though no arrests were reported, per ESPN.

On August 5, a sex toy nearly struck Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Cunningham, vocal about the dangers, stated on her podcast, “Everyone is trying to make sure the [league] is not a joke and it’s taken seriously, and then that happens. I’m like, ‘How are we ever going to get taken seriously?’” In Phoenix, an 18-year-old, Kaden Lopez, was arrested after throwing a sex toy that struck a spectator, charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and displaying explicit material, per Fox Sports. He admitted to the police that it was a social media-inspired prank.

The New York Liberty confirmed an ongoing investigation into a similar incident at Barclays Center on August 5, where an object landed in the stands, per The Associated Press. Players like New York’s Isabelle Harrison have criticized arena security, posting on X, “ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. Never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.” The WNBA’s arena policies prohibit items like weapons and tools, with strict bag searches, but non-metallic objects evade metal detectors, complicating prevention, as noted by Ty Richmond of Allied Universal Security.

These incidents, some linked to a cryptocurrency group promoting a meme coin, undermine the league’s efforts to maintain professionalism. The WNBA’s pursuit of legal action signals a commitment to deterring such behavior, ensuring accountability, and prioritizing safety for all in attendance.