For the second time in just a few days, the WNBA witnessed an unusual and disruptive incident during a game, as an adult toy was thrown onto the court, forcing officials to halt play mid-action. This bizarre event unfolded on the evening of August 1, 2025, during the matchup between the Golden State Valkyries and the Chicago Sky at Chicago's Wintrust Arena.
The interruption occurred midway through the third quarter after Valkyries guard Kate Martin attempted a deep three-pointer that clanked off the rim. Chicago Sky forward Rebecca Allen secured the rebound, but the flow of the game was abruptly stopped when a neon green sex toy landed beneath the Sky's home basket. Referees quickly blew the whistle, and a WNBA official was seen kicking the rubber object off the court, while a Sky equipment staffer hastily wrapped it in a towel and removed it from the playing surface. The stoppage lasted less than a minute before play resumed seamlessly.
Kamilla Cardoso, the Sky's known team jokester, had a memorable reaction to the incident. She initially buried her face in her jersey, turning away from the camera and toward teammates Rachel Banham and Elizabeth Williams. Her shock soon gave way to laughter and smiles, capturing the surreal nature of the moment. The broadcast team of Shimmy Miller and Lisa Byington briefly acknowledged the interruption before quickly refocusing on the game.
This incident marks the second such occurrence within a week. Just three days earlier, on July 29, 2025, during a game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream, a similar adult toy was thrown onto the court with less than a minute remaining. That event also caused a brief stoppage and drew strong reactions from commentators and players alike. The commentators at that time were notably vocal, declaring, "We don't play that. There's no room for that, ever."
Despite the Valkyries being involved in both incidents, it is important to note that neither took place at their home court. The first happened in Atlanta, and the second in Chicago, highlighting a troubling pattern of inappropriate fan behavior at away games.
Player reactions have ranged from humorous social media memes to serious concerns about safety. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, responding to the second incident, took to X to issue a blunt plea: "Stop throwing dildos on the court… you're going to hurt one of us." Her call for respect underscores the potential danger such pranks pose to athletes.
Elizabeth Williams of the Chicago Sky echoed these sentiments after the game, describing the act as "super disrespectful" and "really immature." She added, "I don't get the point of it. Whoever's doing it really needs to grow up." These words reflect a growing frustration within the league about repeated disruptions that detract from the professionalism and spirit of the sport.
Following the first incident, Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini commented on the dangerous nature of the stunt but also noted the team's ability to maintain focus, saying, "I mean, first of all, it was super dangerous. And then when we found out what it was, I guess we just started laughing. I’ve never seen anything like that. I’m just glad we worked through that situation. We stayed locked in, we stayed concentrated." Similarly, Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes pointed out that "one of our players almost got hit with it, so that’s very dangerous. We persevered."
The games themselves have been notable beyond the interruptions. On August 1, the Golden State Valkyries secured a 73-66 victory over the Chicago Sky, with Veronica Burton leading the charge with 18 points. Janelle Salaun contributed 16 points, while center Iliana Rupert added 14 points off the bench. This win evened out Golden State's season record to 13-13, a balanced position as they navigate the competitive league.
The Chicago Sky, meanwhile, continue to struggle amid significant injury challenges. Key players such as two-time All-Star Angel Reese, Courtney Vandersloot, Ariel Atkins, and Hailey Van Lith have been sidelined, contributing to the team's ongoing difficulties. The loss against the Valkyries cemented their place as the second-lowest ranked team in the league, just above the Connecticut Sun, highlighting a tough stretch in their season.
The WNBA has yet to issue an official statement on these incidents, even as the league's Fan Code of Conduct clearly states that "Guests who engage in fighting, throwing objects, or attempting to enter the court will be immediately ejected from the arena." The recurrence of these disruptions raises questions about enforcement and fan behavior at games.
As the WNBA season progresses, the focus remains on maintaining the integrity and safety of the game. The players' calls for respect and the league's responsibilities to protect its athletes are more important than ever. While the Valkyries have managed to secure victories amidst these distractions, the hope is that such incidents will be prevented in the future to preserve the sport's professionalism and the players' well-being.
In the end, the WNBA community is left grappling with an unusual challenge that goes beyond the hardwood court — ensuring that the passion of the fans never crosses the line into disrespect or danger. The recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of that balance and the ongoing need for vigilance.
