🔥 “Sex Toys on the Court?” — WNBA Faces Image Crisis After Bizarre Mid-Game Incident Leaves Players and Fans Stunned

What began as a high-energy WNBA matchup quickly spiraled into controversy, confusion, and viral chaos — after an unexpected object landed right in the middle of the court, stopping the game and sparking a social media firestorm.

It wasn’t a rogue basketball.

It wasn’t even a piece of fan merchandise.

It was — shockingly — what appeared to be a sex toy.

Yes, you read that right.

During the third quarter of Saturday night’s game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Chicago Sky, a small, flesh-colored object was seen flying onto the court from the stands. Play was immediately halted, and officials rushed to remove the item while cameras quickly cut away. But not before sharp-eyed viewers noticed — and screenshots began circulating across social media within seconds.

The incident has been met with a mixture of disbelief, outrage, and humor online. But for the players and league officials, the situation is no laughing matter.

Sophie Cunningham Speaks Out

Phoenix Mercury forward Sophie Cunningham was visibly furious following the incident. She addressed the press after the game with a tense tone.

“This league is fighting every day for respect, visibility, and professionalism,” Cunningham said. “And someone thinks it’s funny to throw that onto the court? It’s disgusting. This isn’t a circus — this is our career.”

Angel Reese Responds with Humor… But Concern

In contrast, Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese responded with a laugh during post-game interviews, admitting she was initially shocked but tried to shake it off.

“I thought it was a prank or something,” Reese said. “I mean, I’ve seen fans throw T-shirts, popcorn, even a shoe once — but this? Come on, y’all.”

Still, she acknowledged the larger issue: “We’ve worked too hard to build this league up to have stuff like this take attention away from the game.”

Fans and Media React

Online, reactions have been mixed. Some fans are calling the moment “hilarious,” with memes flooding platforms like X and TikTok. Others, however, say it crossed the line.

“It’s funny at first,” one fan wrote. “But the more I think about it, the more disrespectful it feels. Would this ever happen at an NBA game without massive backlash?”

Sports journalists were quick to weigh in as well. ESPN analyst Cari Champion tweeted: “This is not okay. These women are professionals. This kind of nonsense undermines everything they fight for.”

The Bigger Problem: An Image Crisis

This bizarre moment may seem like an isolated prank, but WNBA insiders fear it’s indicative of a bigger issue — the ongoing struggle for the league to be taken seriously.

Despite record-breaking viewership in 2024 and the rise of breakout stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and A’ja Wilson, the WNBA continues to face gendered double standards and online ridicule at a scale not seen in other professional sports leagues.

“This isn’t about one fan and one incident,” said a league spokesperson in a statement. “It’s about respect. Period. The WNBA will not tolerate behavior that puts our players, fans, or the game itself at risk.”

What’s Next?

As of Sunday afternoon, security footage from the arena is being reviewed to identify the individual responsible. Sources say the person will likely face a lifetime ban from WNBA games and potential criminal charges.

Meanwhile, the league is quietly launching a new “Respect the Court” campaign aimed at curbing fan misconduct and reinforcing the professional standards of the sport.

One thing is clear: While the internet may laugh for a moment, the women of the WNBA are not here to be the punchline.

“We bring fire, skill, and heart to every game,” Cunningham said. “If someone thinks it’s funny to throw sex toys at us—they’re going to learn just how serious we are.”