A recurring disruption during recent WNBA games has prompted strong reactions from players. A sex toy was thrown onto the court for the second time in a week, leading to delays and frustrations. The latest incident occurred during the Golden State Valkyries’ victory over the Chicago Sky on March 15, 2024, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
During the third quarter of the game, which ended with a score of 73-66 in favor of the Valkyries, a bright green object was tossed from the stands, landing just out of bounds beneath one of the baskets. As the Sky were on the offensive, play was halted while an official kicked the toy aside. It was subsequently picked up with a towel and removed.
“It’s super disrespectful,” said Elizabeth Williams, center for the Chicago Sky, in a post-game interview. “I don’t really get the point of it. It’s really immature. Whoever’s doing it just needs to grow up.” Her comments reflect the growing exasperation among players regarding the incidents.
This latest event follows closely on the heels of a similar occurrence just three days earlier. During a game on March 12, 2024, the Valkyries faced off against the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, where a sex toy was also thrown onto the court. That game concluded with a narrow victory for the Valkyries, 77-75.
Following the recent incidents, players across the league took to social media to voice their concerns. Isabelle Harrison, forward for the New York Liberty, expressed her frustration on X, calling for better security measures: “ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. Never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.”
Similarly, Sophie Cunningham, guard for the Indiana Fever, added her voice to the chorus, urging fans to cease such disruptive behavior: “Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us.”
The incidents have raised questions about security protocols at WNBA games, as players demand a safe environment to compete. The league has not yet publicly commented on the recent occurrences or any measures it plans to implement in response.
As the WNBA continues its season, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and respect of both players and fans. The repeated nature of these events indicates a need for heightened security and better enforcement of arena rules to prevent such distractions from occurring in the future.
