In a season marked by rising attendance and a surge of new fans, the WNBA is facing an unexpected and troubling trend: for the third time in just over a week, a game was brought to a halt after an inappropriate object was thrown onto the court—this time during a high-energy matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Los Angeles Sparks.

A Startling Disruption on the Court

The incident unfolded on Tuesday night, August 5, as the Fever faced off against the Sparks in a game packed with playoff implications. In the middle of a tense free throw, a commentator’s voice cut through the broadcast:
“Oh, look out. Something just came onto the floor. An object just flew in as the free throw is being made. It looked like that hit a player, too.”

The object, quickly identified by onlookers and officials as a sex toy, appeared to strike Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham before bouncing across the hardwood. The game was immediately paused as referees and security personnel rushed to remove the item and ensure the safety of the players.

Despite the interruption, the Sparks went on to win 100-91, but the post-game conversation was dominated by concern, frustration, and disbelief.

A Disturbing Pattern Emerges

This was not an isolated incident. Just days earlier, on August 1, a similar object was thrown during a game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The green item landed near the court, prompting an immediate whistle and a timeout as officials worked to restore order.

And on July 29, fans and players were stunned when another object of the same nature was tossed onto the court during a game between the Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream. Sports announcer Morgan Ragan described the moment in real time:
“Something flies on the court actually from the crowd. And you can see the object… the green thing bounces and it goes to the sideline.”
She continued, “No room for any of that type of activity. And no one’s picked the object up yet, you guys.” The camera zoomed in, confirming the object’s identity, and Ragan summed up what many were thinking: “Okay, inappropriate. Get them out of here, whoever it is [that threw it].”

Players Speak Out: “Stop Throwing Objects on the Court”

For the athletes, the repeated disruptions are more than just a distraction—they’re a safety issue. Sophie Cunningham, who was nearly struck by the object on August 1, took to X (formerly Twitter) with a direct plea:
“Stop throwing [objects] on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us.”

Her words were echoed by teammates and players across the league, who have grown increasingly vocal about the need for stricter enforcement of arena policies and greater respect from fans.

League Policy and Arena Response

The WNBA, known for its passionate and engaged fanbase, has a clear Fan Code of Conduct posted on its website:
“Guests who engage in fighting, throwing objects or attempting to enter the court will be immediately ejected from the arena.”

So far, the individuals responsible for the three incidents have not been publicly identified. According to league officials, security teams acted swiftly in each case, removing the objects, pausing play, and reviewing surveillance footage to identify those responsible. If the perpetrators are found, they face immediate ejection and potential bans from future games.

A Growing Concern for Player Safety

While fans often bring energy and excitement to the arena, the recent string of incidents has sparked a serious conversation about boundaries. Throwing any object onto the court—regardless of its nature—poses a risk to players, referees, and even fellow fans. In the fast-paced environment of professional basketball, a single distraction can lead to injury or alter the outcome of a game.

League officials are now working with arena security teams to increase surveillance and step up pre-game messaging about acceptable fan behavior. Some teams are considering additional security checks and public-service announcements to reinforce the importance of sportsmanship and safety.

Why This Story Matters

Beyond the headlines, these incidents underscore a larger issue: the need for mutual respect between athletes and fans. The WNBA has long prided itself on fostering an inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere where fans of all ages can enjoy the game. Disruptive behavior not only endangers players but also undermines the spirit of community that makes live sports so special.

For many players, fans, and league officials, the hope is that these recent events will serve as a wake-up call. As Sophie Cunningham and others have emphasized, the safety of the athletes must come first. The league is expected to address the issue in upcoming press conferences, and further disciplinary action may follow as investigations continue.

A League on the Rise, Facing New Challenges

Despite these disruptions, the WNBA continues to break new ground in 2025. Attendance is up, television ratings are soaring, and players are reaching new heights on and off the court. The league’s growing visibility means more scrutiny—and, at times, more challenges—but also more opportunities to set the standard for what professional sports can be.

As the season moves forward, players and fans alike are hoping for a return to the kind of excitement that comes from buzzer-beaters and highlight-reel plays—not from distractions in the stands. The message from the league is clear: there is no place for unsafe or disrespectful behavior in professional basketball.