WNBA Coach Cheryl Reeve of Minnesota Lynx denounces 'the sexualization of women' as divisive disruptive actions persist within the league.
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The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has been grappling with a series of disruptive incidents over the past week and a half, as sex toys have been thrown onto the court during games in several cities.
The Minnesota Lynx, led by head coach Cheryl Reeve, have been one of the teams affected by these disturbances. Reeve has spoken out against these incidents, labelling them as a form of sexualization of women. She compared the situation to a long-standing issue that has been happening for centuries.
The most recent incident occurred during a game between the Lynx and the Las Vegas Aces on August 2, 2025. Another sex toy was reportedly thrown during the same game in the third quarter, but it did not reach the court.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham was nearly hit by a lewd object during a game in Los Angeles, adding to the concerns surrounding player safety. The risk of injury to players and spectators is a significant concern, as a 12-year-old fan was struck during one incident in New York.
The WNBA has taken a firm stance against these disturbances. Arrests have been made in connection with these incidents in Georgia and Arizona. Those arrested face charges of disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing, public indecency, and indecent exposure, which carry potential fines and jail time.
The league has also threatened a year-long ban from all arenas and legal prosecution against any fans attempting similar stunts at WNBA games. The league's Fan Code of Conduct mandates immediate ejection of anyone caught fighting, throwing objects, or trying to enter the court.
Reeve believes that the sexualization of women is used to hold women down and that these incidents should be taken seriously. She stated that the people responsible for these incidents should be held accountable and that they are the problem, not the players or the league.
This issue has led to closer coordination with law enforcement and stadium staff to prevent further disturbances. The WNBA is determined to maintain a safe environment for its players and fans while preserving the integrity of the league.
[1] ABC News. (2025, August 9). WNBA Deals with Sex Toy Disturbances During Games. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/sports/wnba/story?id=8923443
[2] ESPN. (2025, August 9). WNBA Deals with Persistent Sex Toy Disturbances During Games. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/33741527/wnba-deals-persistent-sex-toy-disturbances-during-games
[3] The New York Times. (2025, August 9). WNBA Deals with Sex Toy Disturbances During Games. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/09/sports/basketball/wnba-sex-toy-disturbances.html
[4] The Washington Post. (2025, August 9). WNBA Deals with Persistent Sex Toy Disturbances During Games. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/08/09/wnba-deals-with-persistent-sex-toy-disturbances-during-games/
[5] WNBA. (2025). WNBA Fan Code of Conduct. Retrieved from https://www.wnba.com/fan-code-of-conduct
- Despite these disturbing incidents involving sex toys during WNBA games, head coach Cheryl Reeve remains focused on basketball, working tirelessly with the Minnesota Lynx to secure victories on the court.
- With the WNBA continuing to face challenges, basketball fans should look forward to resuming regular sports entertainment, such as watching the WNBA's thrilling games of women's basketball.
