Discovered sex toys disrupted WNBA games, casting light on a peculiar aspect of online culture and reopening past hurts within women's sports.
The past week has seen a series of disturbing incidents during WNBA games, with sex toys being thrown onto the courts. These incidents, which began gaining attention in early August 2025, have resulted in at least four arrests[1].
At the heart of these disruptions seems to be a blend of Gen Z meme culture and internet pranks. This subculture, known for its irony, shock value humor, and viral behaviors on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, is believed to be the driving force behind these acts[1]. The throwing of sex toys is seen as a form of trolling, aimed at disrupting games or provoking reactions, in line with popular online trends among Gen Z.
There are also whispers of a connection to the cryptocurrency world. Certain internet "clout" or hype around disruptive stunts can reportedly be converted into digital currency or social media currency gains. However, this link remains more anecdotal than formally documented[1].
The sexist implications of these incidents are undeniable. The choice of sex toys as objects thrown can be interpreted as an attempt to mock, sexualize, or demean female athletes. The WNBA and the broader public discourse have acknowledged this, emphasizing that such behavior reflects deeper issues of disrespect and sexism in sports fandom.
Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, has spoken out against the incidents, labelling them a form of sexualization and harassment. Sky center Elizabeth Williams expressed her exasperation, stating that it's super disrespectful, immature, and whoever's doing it needs to grow up[2].
The WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, has called the trend of fans throwing sex toys "totally unacceptable" and has expressed safety concerns about fans throwing things from the stands. The league is working with law enforcement agencies to identify and pursue those involved in the incidents[3].
Players have raised concerns about the safety of fans throwing things from the stands as the incidents have become more common. Two men have been arrested in connection with the incidents[1].
Interestingly, a group of cryptocurrency meme coin creators has claimed responsibility for some of the incidents and launched a new meme coin as part of their "viral stunts" to gain attention for the coin[4]. The group has hinted at showing a sex toy on camera at a Major League Baseball game and suggested more such incidents are coming.
The group, however, has rejected the idea that the incidents are disrespectful toward female athletes, claiming it is targeted to bring awareness to meme culture and the crypto space[5].
The incidents have been widely condemned by players, coaches, commentators, and top figures in the league, highlighting the sexism still directed towards the players and the league, even if it is latent rather than explicit for the group claiming responsibility for it[6].
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5] [6] [Source 6]
- The ongoing disruptions during WNBA games, involving sex toys being thrown onto courts, appear to be a result of Gen Z meme culture and internet pranks, which thrive on irony, shock value humor, and viral behaviors.
- There have been whispers of a connection between these disturbing incidents and the cryptocurrency world, as certain internet "clout" or hype around disruptive stunts can allegedly be converted into digital currency or social media currency gains, although this link remains more anecdotal than formally documented.
