During a recent WNBA game, a bizarre incident involving the scattering of sex toys onto the court highlighted ongoing issues regarding fan behaviour at women’s basketball events. The match took place between the Chicago Sky and the Golden State Valkyries on 21 August 2025, during which the Sky secured a narrow victory of 73-70. This unwelcome occurrence unfolded in the third quarter, prompting intervention from arena staff who swiftly removed the objects from play.
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Following the game, Natasha Cloud, a prominent player for the Chicago Sky, expressed her dismay at what she described as “weird” behaviour from fans, particularly highlighting the troubling trend that has emerged since last year. Cloud did not hold back, pointing out that such acts reflect more on the individuals responsible than on the wider community. “That hate is unwarranted, it’s not factual,” she said, emphasising how these actions expose deeper issues within those who choose to engage in such behaviour.
Cloud argued that the act of throwing sex toys at a women’s sporting event is indicative of a fundamental disrespect toward women and the LGBTQ+ community. “The men that are throwing it, it shows that you are weak. Like, extremely weak,” she stated, voicing her concerns about the motivations behind the actions. In her view, this behaviour underscores not only an inability to appreciate the sport but also a serious lack of respect for the players themselves.
This incident was not isolated. Just a day prior, during a matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Los Angeles Sparks, a similar disruption occurred when a sex toy landed on the court mid-game. Eyewitness accounts reveal that Atlanta forward Angel Reese visibly reacted to the disturbance by pointing out the individual responsible for the throw in the stands, capturing audience attention and generating a reaction on social media.
Though the identity of the person responsible for the incident at the Atlanta game has yet to be disclosed, reports indicate that the individual involved in a previous incident at a game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Connecticut Sun has been apprehended. This individual had thrown a green toy that inadvertently struck a spectator and his young niece, resulting in charges of disorderly conduct and public display of explicit material. The teen later referred to his actions as a misguided attempt at humour influenced by trends circulating on social media.
Such incidents have raised concerns within the WNBA, which faced similar disruptions multiple times throughout its 2025 season. Attendees and players alike have expressed their unease, calling for stronger measures to prevent these occurrences in the future. The league has begun taking action, with individuals involved facing immediate bans from WNBA, NBA, and all affiliated league events.
Cloud’s comments have resonated not only with her teammates but also with many who advocate for the respect and empowerment of women in sports. Such behaviour from fans serves to highlight the ongoing dialogues regarding sexism and harassment in arenas that should be celebrating athletic prowess and skill.
As discussions continue around the implications of these actions, the WNBA and its community of players are poised to address fan conduct more earnestly. League officials have indicated plans to bolster security and awareness campaigns aimed at fostering respect among spectators during games, ensuring that the focus remains on the sport rather than toxic incidents.
In summary, this series of disturbing events has opened up vital conversations about the treatment of women in sports, the need for accountability among fans, and the actions required to foster a more inclusive atmosphere in sports venues. The overarching sentiment from players like Natasha Cloud highlights a demand for respect, urging fans to remember the core principles of sport: support, dedication, and mutual respect.