The WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) has experienced its third incident in a week involving a sex object being thrown onto the court during a league game. The latest episode took place on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena, during the game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Indiana Fever. With just over two minutes remaining in the second quarter, a green toy landed in the free throw area as Kelsey Plum was preparing to shoot. The player kicked it aside without stopping the game.

The object landed near Sophie Cunningham, who reacted with visible surprise. After the play, security staff covered the item with towels and began an investigation to try to identify the person responsible. This incident follows two others, previously reported in Atlanta and Chicago, all during games involving the newly formed Golden State Valkyries franchise.

Different approach between Europe and the US

The first case occurred in Atlanta, in the final moments of the match between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream. A man was arrested days later and charged with disorderly conduct, public indecency, and criminal trespassing. The second incident took place on Friday in Chicago, when a similar object was thrown under one of the baskets during the third quarter of the game between the Valkyries and the Chicago Sky. In that case, no arrests were made, and local authorities reported that no calls were registered in connection with the incident.

After the second case, the league issued a statement warning: “The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league. Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans. In line with WNBA Arena Security Standards, any fan who intentionally throws an object onto the court will be immediately ejected and face a minimum one-year ban in addition to being subject to arrest and prosecution by local authorities.”

So far, this is the only statement issued by the league, and it is notable that it focuses solely on safety and not on the sexist nature of the incidents. While media coverage in the United States has been limited, several European outlets have reported the events and pointed out their sexist undertones. The contrast in visibility reflects a broader public awareness in Europe around these kinds of actions. In this context, some European media have linked the incidents to a deeper structural lack of respect that repeatedly surfaces in women’s competitions.

“It’s ridiculous, it’s dangerous”

Following the game in Los Angeles, several voices from the WNBA community spoke out. “It’s ridiculous. It’s dangerous,” said Sparks coach Lynne Roberts when asked about the situation. “Player safety is number one. Respecting the game — all of that.”

Stephanie White, head coach of the Indiana Fever, commented: “We don’t know who those people are. We’re here to play the game, and people want to see us play. We can’t control everybody’s actions.” On the court, players like Kelsey Plum praised both teams and the officiating crew for continuing play and staying focused on the game.

Another possible case

Social media posts have pointed to possible similar cases in Phoenix and New York earlier this week. According to those reports, green objects were thrown from the stands, although in neither case did they reach the court. The WNBA has not confirmed these incidents, and no arrests have been made in connection with them.

For now, the league has not announced additional measures but continues to enforce the immediate ejection policy and fan sanctions for disruptions. Investigations into what happened in Los Angeles are still ongoing.