Full Breakdown
Sex Toy Thrown During Dream-Sparks Game Revives 2025 Controversy
8/22/2026, 8:32:31 AM
Core Incident at Crypto.com Arena
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, a lime-green adult toy was tossed onto the court during the third quarter of the Atlanta Dream’s 124-88 road win over the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. The object landed near Sparks forward Jihyun Park as she prepared a free-throw, prompting officials to stop play. Dream forward Angel Reese pointed toward the stands and shouted for security. Sparks center Cameron Brink kicked the towel-covered toy away while arena staff removed it. Video captured a man in a Luka Doncic Lakers jersey fleeing and pushing a security guard.
Background: 2025 Sex-Toy Throwing Trend
The incident marks the first reported throw of a sex toy in the 2026 season, reviving a pattern that emerged in summer 2025. Starting July 29, 2025, fans threw green dildos onto the hardwood during games involving the Dream, Golden State Valkyries, Chicago Sky and Sparks. The league issued a statement condemning the behavior and announced cooperation with law-enforcement agencies. A cryptocurrency-focused group identified as “DILDO” later claimed involvement, describing the acts as “light-hearted jokes” within the crypto community.
Data & Statistics
- Incidents in 2025: Multiple games across Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Phoenix and Los Angeles experienced sex-toy throws.
- Arrests in 2025: Two individuals were detained—18-year-old Kaden Lopez in Phoenix and 23-year-old Delbert Carver in Georgia—facing assault, disorderly conduct and public indecency charges.
- 2026 occurrence: The August 20 incident resulted in an arrest; the suspect received an indefinite ban from all WNBA, NBA and affiliated events, according to a source.
On-the-Ground Account
Security personnel removed the toy and escorted the alleged thrower out of the arena. Angel Reese’s pointing and vocal demand for “Get him, right there!” drew attention from teammates and the broadcast crew. Cameron Brink’s kick allowed play to resume within minutes. The game continued without further interruption, and the Dream set a franchise-record point total in the victory.
Official League Response
The league reiterated its commitment to work with law-enforcement agencies to pursue felony charges where applicable.
Criticism & Opposition
Players condemned the stunt as harassment. Dream guard Natasha Cloud called the behavior “unwarranted” and suggested it reflected personal issues of the individual responsible. Former Sky player Sophie Cunningham urged fans to stop throwing dildos, warning the objects could cause injury.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Arrest vs. Citation: ESPN reported a male suspect was detained, cited and released after the Sky-Valkyries game, whereas Front Office Sports indicated the August 20 suspect was arrested and banned indefinitely.
- Identity Confirmation: Some outlets identified the suspect as wearing a Luka Doncic jersey; other reports did not confirm the attire.
- Charge Details: The August 20 suspect’s specific charges have not been disclosed, while 2025 arrests included documented offenses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That hate is unwarranted ... and it says more about the internal struggles of that individual than it ever will say about the collective group [they have a problem with],” — Natasha Cloud
- “Stop throwing dildos on the court,” — Sophie Cunningham
What’s Next
The WNBA’s security standards now mandate a minimum one-year ban for any fan caught throwing objects onto the court. The league has indicated future incidents will be met with swift ejection and cooperation with local authorities, though no specific hearing dates or additional policy revisions have been announced.
