Officials confirmed Saturday that a suspect was arrested and received an indefinite ban from all WNBA, NBA, and affiliated league games and events following the throwing of three sex toys onto the court during a WNBA game in Chicago on Friday.
The incident occurred during the third quarter of the Chicago Sky vs. Golden State Valkyries game at Wintrust Arena. The toys were thrown onto the court, disrupting play. This follows a similar incident the previous night during the Atlanta Dream vs. Los Angeles Sparks game in Los Angeles, where one sex toy was thrown onto the court.
The suspect in the Los Angeles incident was arrested and banned indefinitely, according to reporting by Zach Powell of The Athletic. The Chicago incident is under investigation, with authorities reviewing video footage and pursuing leads.
Sky guard Natasha Cloud addressed the Chicago incident post-game, delivering a profanity-laced response to the disruption. Cloud criticized the actions, stating, “Y’all lame as fuck... And I just, man, and like, in most of these occasions, it’s men. And I want you to know that is the gayest thing that you can do is to go to a store, a sex shop, buy a dildo, come to a women’s game to throw the dildo on the court.”
Cloud’s remarks drew attention for their tone and content, with some observers noting the use of slurs and provocative language. The WNBA has not publicly commented on Cloud’s statements.
The incidents have sparked discussions about security and fan behavior at WNBA games. Front Office Sports’ Colin Salao reported the toys were green and provided photos of the objects on the court. Fans at Wintrust Arena were seen booing the perpetrator, according to circulating video.
The Chicago Sky defeated the Golden State Valkyries 73-70 in a closely contested game, with Cloud leading all scorers with 17 points. The Sky improved to 15-22, while the Valkyries fell to 25-11.
League officials have not announced additional security measures but confirmed that investigations are ongoing. The WNBA’s code of conduct and security protocols are being reviewed in light of the repeated disruptions.
No further details about the suspect in the Chicago incident have been released as of Saturday morning.
Background and Context
This is the third reported incident of sex toys being thrown onto a WNBA court in as many days. The first occurred Thursday night in Los Angeles, followed by the Chicago incident Friday. The pattern has raised questions about enforcement and deterrence.
The WNBA has previously taken swift action against disruptive fans, including bans and arrests. The league has emphasized maintaining a family-friendly environment while addressing unsportsmanlike conduct.
Fan behavior at sporting events has been a recurring topic in professional sports, with leagues implementing measures to curb disruptions. The WNBA’s response to these incidents will likely be scrutinized in the coming days.
Official Responses
The Golden State Valkyries and Chicago Sky organizations have not issued official statements regarding the incident. The WNBA’s office did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
Authorities in Chicago confirmed they are investigating the incident and reviewing footage. The suspect, if identified, will face charges consistent with disorderly conduct and disruption of a sporting event.
Impact on the Game
Despite the disruptions, the game proceeded without further incident. The Sky’s victory was highlighted by a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Sydney Taylor, who scored 14 points. Four Sky starters finished in double digits, contributing to the team’s win.
The incidents have overshadowed the on-court action, drawing attention to fan behavior and security protocols. League officials are expected to address the issue in the coming days.