WNBA Imposes Minimum One-Year Bans After S-ex Toy Throwing Incidents Target Players

The unsettling thud of a s-ex toy landing near Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham during Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks marked the latest violation of player safety – just days after Cunningham publicly pleaded: “Stop throwing d—s on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us.” As Cunningham later noted on social media, “This did NOT age well,” the incident became the third such violation in two weeks across WNBA arenas, prompting immediate ejections, arrests, and now unprecedented league-wide penalties.

How is the WNBA Addressing Fan Misconduct?
The league has activated stringent security protocols and penalties following these dangerous disruptions. Under updated WNBA Arena Security Standards, any fan intentionally throwing objects faces immediate ejection plus a minimum one-year ban from all venues. Offenders also risk arrest and criminal prosecution. “The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority,” emphasized the league in an August 6 statement. Los Angeles Sparks coach Lynne Roberts minced no words after Tuesday’s game: “It’s ridiculous, dumb, stupid, and dangerous. Players’ safety is No. 1.” The policy shift comes after similar incidents at Golden State Valkyries games resulted in arrests for disorderly conduct, public indecency, and trespassing.

Cumulative Impact on Players and Games
These repeated violations have transformed courts from competitive spaces into hazard zones. During the Fever-Sparks matchup, guard Kelsey Plum swiftly kicked the green s-ex toy away from play, but the psychological toll lingers. Cunningham shared an Instagram story post-incident captioned: “No way that thing actually hit me.” Beyond player trauma, the disruptions compromise game integrity. In Phoenix and New York, two additional attempted throws occurred recently – one landing near a child, highlighting broader audience risks. Fever guard Erica Wheeler observed, “It’s disrespectful to the game we’ve dedicated our lives to.”

Enforcement Challenges and Fan Accountability
While arrests have followed some incidents – like 23-year-old Delbert Carver’s apprehension in Golden State – identifying culprits in crowded arenas remains difficult. The WNBA’s new one-year ban framework creates concrete consequences, but relies on venue security vigilance. “Objects thrown pose risks to players, officials, and fans,” the league reiterated, urging collective responsibility. Teams now coordinate with local law enforcement to prosecute offenders under applicable public endangerment statutes. As Roberts stressed, “Respecting the game” requires fan compliance with behavioral norms.

A Pattern Demanding Cultural Change
This spate of incidents reflects deeper issues in spectator conduct. The first documented occurrence two weeks ago sparked copycat behavior, suggesting social media notoriety motivates offenders. Cunningham’s preemptive tweet ironically highlighted the trend’s visibility. Sports sociologist Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique notes, “Targeting women athletes with s-exualized objects perpetuates harmful misogyny disguised as pranks” (Sports Illustrated, August 2025). The league’s firm response aims to reset expectations, treating invasions as security threats rather than trivial jokes.

The league’s decisive safety measures mark a critical turning point in protecting athletes from dangerous fan misconduct. By enforcing mandatory bans and prosecuting offenders, the WNBA prioritizes player dignity over viral stunts – because every court deserves respect, and every athlete deserves safety. Stand with players by reporting disruptive behavior at games and supporting accountability measures.

Must Know

Q: What penalties do fans face for throwing objects at WNBA games?
A: Per updated WNBA policy, offenders face immediate ejection plus a minimum one-year ban from all league venues. They may also be arrested and charged with crimes like disorderly conduct or endangerment by local authorities.

Q: How many s-ex toy throwing incidents have occurred recently?
A: There have been five confirmed incidents: three objects made court contact (two in Golden State, one in Los Angeles), while two others were intercepted in Phoenix and New York. All occurred within a two-week period starting late July 2025.

Q: Were any players injured during these incidents?
A: While no serious physical injuries were reported, Fever forward Sophie Cunningham confirmed being struck by one object. Players emphasize the psychological impact and safety risks of foreign objects disrupting play.

Q: What’s being done to prevent future court invasions?
A: The league mandates enhanced arena security screenings, coordinated law enforcement presence, and public awareness campaigns. Teams also reserve rights to pursue civil lawsuits against offenders beyond criminal charges.

Q: How have players responded to these incidents?
A: Multiple athletes, including Cunningham and Sparks coach Lynne Roberts, have condemned the acts as dangerous and disrespectful. The WNBPA supports the league’s strict penalties to ensure workplace safety.