The WNBA has always prided itself on athletic excellence, empowerment, and a close relationship with its passionate fan base. But this week, the league was rocked by a disturbing and unprecedented trend: for the second time in just a matter of days, an adult object—a dildo—was thrown onto the court during a live game. The incident has sent shockwaves through the league, with Phoenix Mercury’s Sophie Cunningham breaking her silence and demanding immediate action from league officials and arena security. Her message is clear: “This is getting dangerous.”

A Disturbing Pattern Emerges

The first incident occurred earlier this week, when play was halted after an adult toy landed near the free-throw line during a nationally televised game. Players and coaches looked on in disbelief as security scrambled to remove the object. Many assumed it was a one-off act of poor taste—a tasteless prank by a rogue fan. But just days later, during another high-profile matchup, a second dildo was hurled onto the court, narrowly missing players as they ran a fast break.

For Cunningham and her fellow athletes, the message was unmistakable: this was no longer an isolated incident. It was a pattern—and a dangerous one at that.

Sophie Cunningham Speaks Out

Sophie Cunningham, known for her fierce competitiveness and outspoken leadership, has had enough. In a postgame interview, she addressed the growing safety concerns head-on.
“This isn’t just about a prank or a joke,” Cunningham said, her voice trembling with frustration. “This is about our safety. This is about respecting athletes as professionals and as people. If something like this can make it onto the court—twice in a week—what’s next?”

Cunningham’s comments quickly went viral, sparking debate across social media and sports talk shows. Fans and former players rallied behind her, applauding her courage to speak out when others remained silent.

Players Demand Action

Cunningham isn’t alone in her concerns. Players from across the league have voiced their fears and frustrations, demanding that the WNBA and its teams take immediate steps to increase security and hold unruly fans accountable.

“Throwing anything onto the court is dangerous,” tweeted New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart. “But this crosses a line. We deserve better protection.”

Chicago Sky guard Kahleah Copper echoed those sentiments: “We love our fans, but our safety comes first. The league needs to step up—now.”

The WNBA Players Association released a statement, calling the incidents “deeply troubling” and urging the league to “reassess and enhance security protocols to ensure the safety and dignity of all athletes.”

A League at a Crossroads

The incidents have forced the WNBA to confront uncomfortable questions about fan behavior, security, and respect for its athletes. In recent years, the league has enjoyed a surge in popularity, with record-breaking attendance and viewership numbers. But with increased attention comes new challenges—including how to manage the behavior of a growing and sometimes unruly fan base.

League Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the situation in a press conference, promising a thorough investigation and swift action.
“We take these incidents extremely seriously,” Engelbert said. “Player safety is our top priority. We are working closely with arena partners and local law enforcement to identify the individuals responsible and to prevent future occurrences.”

What Went Wrong?

Many are now asking how such objects could make it past security—not once, but twice. Most arenas have strict bag checks and metal detectors, but the incidents suggest that gaps remain.

Security experts point out that the rise in fan engagement, especially with the increased use of social media to organize pranks and stunts, has made it harder to anticipate and prevent disruptive behavior.
“Fans are more creative than ever,” says event security consultant Mike Reynolds. “But when it comes to player safety, there can be no room for error. The league needs to adapt quickly.”

The Psychological Impact

Beyond the physical danger, players and coaches are also grappling with the psychological impact of these incidents.
“It’s humiliating,” said one player, who asked to remain anonymous. “We’re out there doing our job, competing at the highest level, and someone thinks it’s funny to throw a sex toy on the court? It’s disrespectful—not just to us, but to the game itself.”

Sports psychologists warn that repeated incidents like these can erode trust between players and fans, and even affect performance.
“When athletes feel unsafe or disrespected, it can impact their focus and mental well-being,” explains Dr. Lisa Han, a sports psychologist who works with professional teams. “That’s something the league needs to take very seriously.”

A Call for Cultural Change

While the immediate focus is on security, many believe the incidents point to a deeper issue—a lack of respect for women athletes and the spaces they occupy.
“This isn’t just about objects being thrown,” said ESPN analyst Monica McNutt. “It’s about how we treat women in sports. Would this happen in the NBA? Would it be tolerated if it did?”

Cunningham herself touched on this point in her statement: “We shouldn’t have to deal with this. We shouldn’t have to wonder what’s going to come flying at us next. We’re here to play basketball—to inspire the next generation, to represent our teams and our cities. That should be enough.”

The Path Forward

In the wake of these incidents, the WNBA has promised to review and strengthen its security protocols. Some teams are already implementing stricter bag checks, increased surveillance, and more security personnel near the court. There are also calls for lifetime bans for any fan caught throwing objects onto the playing surface.

But for many players, the real test will be whether the league follows through on its promises—and whether fans themselves will step up to create a safer, more respectful environment.

Conclusion: More Than a Game

The WNBA’s dildo-throwing incidents are more than just bizarre headlines—they’re a wake-up call for everyone who cares about the league and its future. As Sophie Cunningham and her fellow players have made clear, this is about more than just safety. It’s about dignity, respect, and the right to compete without fear of humiliation or harm.

The ball is now in the league’s court. The world is watching to see how the WNBA responds—not just with words, but with real, lasting change. For the sake of its athletes, its fans, and the game itself, nothing less will do.