Seriously? Sex toys have cheapened WNBA conversation
After Caitlin Clark seized the league by storm in her rookie year, the discussion that dominated the WNBA centered on equal pay.
That seemed lost over the past two weeks, as talk surrounding the “W” has been a sick joke.
The WNBA is battling an unexpected, bizarre distraction in the form of sex toys being thrown onto the court during games. The incidents have escalated, with objects landing in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix and New York. On August 1, a nearly dangerous moment unfolded in Los Angeles when a sex toy almost hit Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham. Another incident occurred just seconds before the Atlanta Dream’s victory over the Chicago Sky on August 3, continuing a series of disturbing disruptions.
The perpetrators—many claiming these actions as “pranks” or attempts at viral humor—are facing criminal charges, but that hasn’t stopped the chaos. Police have arrested several individuals, but security teams across arenas struggle to stop the objects from slipping past metal detectors due to the nature of the items. With players and fans concerned for their safety, this situation has only added to the long-standing fight for respect in women’s sports.
“Everyone is trying to make sure the W is not a joke and it’s taken seriously, and then that happens,” Cunningham said on her podcast. Her frustration reflects a broader sentiment shared by many in the league. Players, already fighting for pay equality and recognition, are now forced to fend off disrespectful disruptions that undermine their worth as professional athletes.
The WNBA has made strides in recent years—record attendance, soaring television viewership and significant financial investments show that it is being taken seriously by the mainstream. Yet, incidents like these serve as a reminder that the fight for equality goes beyond the negotiating table. As the league gains prominence, players still face the challenge of being viewed as elite, professional athletes rather than the subject of punchlines.
“It’s ridiculous, it’s dumb, it’s stupid,” said Los Angeles Sparks coach Lynne Roberts. “It’s also dangerous. Player safety is number one, respecting the game, all those things. I think it’s really stupid.”
Despite the increasing attention on the WNBA and its players, the distraction is a reminder of the persistent challenge women’s sports face: being respected as an equal part of the sporting world.
