On Saturday, the WNBA took firm action after a fan threw a sex toy onto the court during an Atlanta Dream game earlier in the week. The league confirmed that the person was arrested and emphasized that anyone tossing objects onto the court will be ejected and face at least a year-long ban.
This incident, which happened in the fourth quarter of a game against Golden State, wasn’t isolated. Just days later, another sex toy was thrown during a Chicago Sky game. An official promptly kicked the object away before it was removed. It’s unclear if anyone was arrested for this second incident.
The WNBA’s stance is clear: safety is a top priority. The league stated, “Objects thrown onto the court can pose a safety risk for players, officials, and fans.” They reinforced that fans who throw objects will face serious consequences—ejection, a ban, and potential legal action.
Players expressed their dismay over these incidents. Sky center Elizabeth Williams called the actions disrespectful and immature. “It’s really disrespectful. I don’t understand what they gain from it,” she said after the game. New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison also voiced her concerns on social media, urging arena security to improve, highlighting the dangerous nature of such actions.
A recent survey shows that 82% of sports fans believe arena safety is crucial. In light of these incidents, discussions about enhancing security measures are increasing. Many WNBA arenas already implement strict security protocols, including bag searches, to ensure fan safety.
As the WNBA navigates through these challenges, it serves as a reminder that while sports are about excitement and entertainment, the safety of everyone involved must always come first.
For more on the WNBA’s policies, you can check their official statement here.