On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, as the Indiana Fever faced off against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena, a bizarre and unsettling moment unfolded in front of thousands. Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who had earlier in the evening publicly warned about the possibility of being struck by a thrown sex toy, became the target of that very scenario. In a near-miss that drew wide attention, a neon green sex toy was hurled onto the court and landed perilously close to Cunningham as she prepared to inbound the ball late in the second quarter. Sparks guard Kelsey Plum swiftly kicked it off the playing surface, and the game resumed, but the message had already reverberated: what started as a shocking prank had escalated into a troubling safety concern (People.com).
This incident marked the third time in just one week that such an object was thrown during a WNBA game. The earlier episodes occurred during a July 29 matchup between the Dream and the Valkyries in Atlanta and a WNBA game featuring Chicago Sky against the Valkyries on August 1. In each case, a bright green sex toy landed on or near the court, prompting officials to pause the game and remove the object. In Atlanta, authorities arrested a 23‑year‑old man in connection with the incident, charging him with disorderly conduct, public indecency, and criminal trespass (People.com).
During Tuesday’s Sparks–Fever game, the toy landed with approximately two minutes remaining in the second quarter, in the paint near Cunningham, who leapt aside in surprise as fans looked on. The Fever lost the game 100‑91, but the disturbance overshadowed the final score as players, coaches, league officials, and fans demanded change (People.com).
Cunningham had taken to X (formerly Twitter) earlier that weekend to urge fans to stop throwing sex toys onto courts. She bluntly warned, “Stop throwing dildos on the court … you’re going to hurt one of us,” a message that gained renewed significance when the thrown toy narrowly missed her. After the game, she shared a five‑word response quoting her earlier post: “This did not age well” (The Sun). She also revealed in media appearances that even her mother had jokingly warned her: “Watch out for flying d‑ldos tonight,” an off‑hand joke that tragically forecast what actually happened (Fox News).
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts responded sharply, calling the behavior “ridiculous… dumb… stupid,” insisting that all of the league’s participants should prioritize respect and safety. She added, “Players’ safety is No. 1,” and emphasized that throwing any object onto the court is dangerous both for those wearing sneakers and those sitting courtside (The Sun). Cunningham herself appeared to see the absurdity of the moment—after stepping back quickly, she laughed with the Sparks bench, offering a measure of levity amidst the chaos (AP News).
The WNBA officially condemned the actions, issuing a strong statement to the media. The league declared that such conduct undermines the professionalism and integrity of the sport and poses real risk to players, officials, and other fans. Under existing WNBA Arena Security Standards, any fan who throws an object on the court is subject to immediate ejection, at least a one‑year ban, and potential legal repercussions through local authorities (People.com). League officials also indicated they are reviewing arena security protocols and warning systems, with an eye toward preventing further disruptions in future games (People.com).
Players across the league have expressed mounting frustration. Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky and Isabelle Harrison of the Valkyries, among others, have spoken out forcefully. Reese described the practice as careless and disrespectful; Harrison called it “immature,” unprofessional, and inappropriate given the image the WNBA strives to project. Harrison added that players should not become the punchline of crude stunts or viral clips—especially when their safety and careers are at stake (New York Post).
This disturbing trend has blown up on social media too. Numerous viral clips from the Sparks–Fever game captured player reactions and immediate aftermath: Kelsey Plum booting the toy to the side, referees quickly escorting it off the court, and Cunningham shrugging with a slightly amused, slightly wary expression. In addition to the LA occurrence, smaller incidents were reported at games in Phoenix and New York—though in those settings the toys did not land on the court. At Barclays Center, one landed near a child in the stands before being taken away (AP News).
Fans and commentators have begun to question how such objects are reaching courtside so frequently—despite security measures. Observers wonder whether increased undercover monitoring, retractable bin systems, or stricter bag checks might curb the trend. Many are calling for leagues and arenas to take a zero‑tolerance stance immediately, rather than waiting for another close call or potential injury.
Others point to broader cultural implications. Some fans may view the mood as humorous or shock‑value entertainment, but Cunningham—both a seasoned athlete and a media-savvy pro—reminded the game’s audience of the real risk. A hard thrown object, even in jest, could break a bone, cause cuts, or lead to more serious harm. And the notoriety of such incidents carries public relations consequences—not just for the league, but for fans and venues complicit in ignoring rising incidents (Fox News, The Times of India, People.com).
At stake is more than just one stunt: this moment in Los Angeles comes as a tipping point. For years, WNBA players have endured relatively safe arenas and devoted fans, but these disruptions strike at the heart of respect that professional women’s basketball has worked so hard to cultivate. Cunningham’s warning, her mother’s joke, and her five‑word clapback resonate not just as social media fodder, but as timely commentary on fan culture gone astray. And as league officials tighten security and weigh disciplinary consequences, repair of the sport’s image becomes urgent.
Looking ahead, the incidents serve as a wake‑up call. The league may implement penalties for host venues if objects are repeatedly thrown, or establish designated “monitor” roles for sideline teams to respond immediately. Camera operators and VAR‑style screens might also be used to review crowd behavior. Fans who cross the line risk lifetime bans or arrest—measures already endorsed by league statements, but now subject to more vigorous enforcement given recent frequency (San Francisco Chronicle, People.com, New York Post, AP News).
Meanwhile, WNBA stars will surely continue speaking up. Cunningham’s bold public warning and follow-up post exemplify how players are using platforms like X and podcasts to call out unacceptable fan behavior when it happens—from Atlanta to Chicago to Los Angeles. Their collective voices are prompting change not just in policy, but in the attitudes of fans who previously thought the prank funny or harmless.
For the Indiana Fever, enduring the embarrassment and safety risk of a toy thrown during play was painful—but perhaps necessary. As Cunningham herself implied, “this did not age well.” It stands as a cautionary moment—a demonstration of how quickly applause and viral fame can weaponize disregard for human dignity and professional safety. If corrective measures follow swiftly, Tuesday’s incident may become an inflection point rather than an ongoing problem.
League leadership, teams, and arena staff now face pressure to act decisively. If another sex toy is thrown at an upcoming game, the WNBA’s promise of severe sanctions must be realized, not only on the offender but in systemic changes to guardrails. Too much is at stake: player trust, fan safety, brand integrity. Sophie’s near-hit is the flashpoint—from now on, such behavior may represent zero tolerance rather than punchline fodder.
In sum, on August 5, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena, Sophie Cunningham—the very player who weeks earlier warned of danger—almost became the unfortunate face of what happens when pranks cross the line into threat. Neither player nor spectator should have to awkwardly laugh off a sex toy landing near them mid-game. As the WNBA moves toward action, Cunningham’s message echoes: respect the game, prioritize safety, and hold people accountable. Some risks aren’t funny—they are urgent.
