Security arrests fan who threw green sex toy onto WNBA court during Dream-Sparks game

Rhyne Howard scored 26 points and Angel Reese recorded a double-double as the Atlanta Dream defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 124-88 on Thursday night. The game was halted in the third quarter when a green object was thrown onto the floor as Sparks guard Jihyun Park prepared a free-throw. A referee stopped play, and Sparks center Cameron Brink kicked the item off the court. Security personnel apprehended the individual, who was later arrested and barred from all WNBA, NBA and affiliated events.

"The league will continue to work closely with law enforcement to hold individuals who engage in this type of conduct accountable and fully prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law," a league spokesperson told USA TODAY.

The incident mirrors a series of similar disruptions in 2025, when six sex toys were tossed onto courts during a two-week span. A group of cryptocurrency enthusiasts claimed responsibility, saying the stunts were intended to draw attention to their meme coin and to protest what they described as a "toxic" crypto environment. The same group announced on the social platform X that it would resume the actions to pressure the WNBA to adopt a policy defining "woman" by biological sex.

The league has faced heightened scrutiny over transgender-inclusion debates after comments from players and officials sparked controversy. No openly transgender athlete has played in the WNBA, and recent legislation in several states restricts transgender participation in women’s sports.