The issue began in late July when a fan threw a sex toy onto the court. This seemingly isolated incident triggered a series of similar events, sparking outrage among players, coaches, and commentators.

Responsibility for these actions was claimed by a cryptocurrency-based meme group. This reveals a peculiar aspect of Gen Z culture, highlighting a desire for viral attention regardless of consequences, and exposing the persistent sexism within women's sports.

Foreign objects have been increasingly thrown onto the court at WNBA games in the past two months. Photo: CNN

Foreign objects have been increasingly thrown onto the court at WNBA games in the past two months. Photo: CNN

Reuters and CNN reported that two men, 23 and 18 years old, were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct, indecent exposure, and trespassing. The WNBA incidents have become a subject of ridicule in major US newspapers, while individuals within the basketball community feel deeply offended.

"It's centuries later and women are still the target of sexualized issues," said Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. "This is the latest iteration of it. There's nothing funny about it. We're not a joke."

The WNBA is no stranger to sexism and racism. While the league strives for inclusivity and diversity, particularly for women of color, this has also drawn the WNBA into America's culture wars as the organization grows in size and prominence. Many believe the sex toy incidents are the latest manifestation of this.

"These athletes are just doing their jobs, playing basketball. So, the people who are throwing these objects are harassing women at work," University of Wisconsin-Madison assistant professor Mariel Barnes told CNN. "Incidents like this show that there is still misogyny and hatred towards women, especially successful women. This is just the tip of the iceberg, with more intense backlash directed at women in modern society."

Behind the WNBA incidents is a group known for creating cryptocurrency-related memes. A representative of the group told USA Today that members began throwing green objects onto the court to promote a new meme named after a sex toy.

Before the first incident on 29/7, group members chatted, shared images of the new meme, and discussed which WNBA game to target. They hoped their actions would go viral. When the toy was thrown onto the court during the Golden State Valkyries' victory over the Atlanta Dream, the group was elated.

Since then, three more sex toys have appeared on the court during WNBA games, not including two other objects thrown but not landing on the court. Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the incidents. Confirming to CNN, the group's representative said one detained man was a member of their community, while the other was a copycat.

Beyond gender issues, these recurring incidents are encouraging another risky online activity among young Americans: gambling. On Polymarket, people have wagered over 460,000 USD on the likelihood of another sex toy appearing in future games. Another website even accepted bets on the color of the next object thrown.

On X, a user – with the same name as the person who spoke to ESPN and USA Today – posted a screenshot of winning 20,000 USD on a related bet. According to this anonymous individual, their group aimed to draw attention to the volatile cryptocurrency market and "raise awareness of meme culture." The group denies any disrespect towards female athletes or intentional targeting of women.

The group also stated they are targeting other leagues, including men's sports events, mentioning an attempt to get a sex toy image on television during an MLB game, and hinting that they won't stop.

The WNBA, besides strongly condemning the acts, has officially announced that any spectator caught throwing a sex toy onto the court will be prosecuted and banned from attending games. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert called the behavior unacceptable and asserted that "perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

As for the players, some are confused, others have made sarcastic jokes about the situation, while a group of players are deeply upset. Sky center Elizabeth Williams told reporters: "It's very disrespectful. I really don't understand the point of it. It's really childish. Whoever is doing it or thinking of doing it, grow up.”

Ultimately, the players' primary concern isn't sexism, but their safety during games as foreign objects continue to threaten the court.

Vy Anh