The WNBA has dealt with four separate dildo-throwing incidents in less than two weeks. Two fans were arrested. A child was hit. A player was nearly struck. What started as a one-off stunt has become a recurring problem.
So the question now is whether the league has a security issue. If objects like these are making it past bag checks and reaching the court or stands, something’s breaking down. And as attention grows, from fans, bettors, and media, the risk may be outpacing the protocols.
Security Concerns Grow At WNBA Games After Multiple Dildo Incidents
JUST IN: The suspect accused of throwing a green dildo at last night's Phoenix Mercury game just appeared in court. Kaden Lopez, 18, is accused of hitting someone with the sex toy. Lopez faces at least two charges including assault and disorderly conduct.@FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/3lhomNOIa0
— Trenton Hooker (@trentonhooker) August 6, 2025
The games affected span four different cities: Phoenix, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York. In Phoenix, 18-year-old Kaden Lopez was arrested after throwing a green dildo that struck a man and his 9-year-old niece.
A 23-year-old, Delbert Carver was also arrested in Atlanta, and is facing counts of disorderly conduct, public indecency and criminal trespass. In Los Angeles, one landed near Sophie Cunningham after she had already warned fans to stop.
🍆🏀 WNBA dildo thrower facing multiple charges
Delbert Carver, 23, faces counts of disorderly conduct, public indecency/indecent exposure and criminal trespass.The phallic felon has generated widespread exposure for the WNBA and has been released on bond pending his next… pic.twitter.com/p3MGY152jP
— BoDeep (@BoDeepest) August 5, 2025
The fact that these objects are getting through security repeatedly suggests a breakdown somewhere in the process. WNBA teams often play in arenas shared with NBA or NHL franchises, which have strong infrastructure. But staffing levels and entry protocols may be scaled back for WNBA games. If so, it’s creating an opening for stunts like these to keep happening.
Dildo-Throwing Trend Tied to Betting on Polymarket and BetOnline
As well as trolling, there could also be a financial element to the dildo-tossing now.
Polymarket has been offering daily prop markets on whether a dildo will be thrown at a WNBA game. Some have hit six-figure volume. BetOnline, a top offshore sportsbook, added novelty props for the color of the next object tossed. Dave Mason, the spokesman for the company, has posted that these props have drawn significant action.
When fans are incentivized to create chaos, either for a laugh, a clip, or a bet, security has to account for that, which they are currently failing to do.
WNBA Fan Behavior Is Forcing a Rethink of Arena Protocols
If dildo-throwing continues, the WNBA may be forced to take more aggressive steps. The same goes for arena operators hosting their games.
- Security costs could rise due to added bag checks or staffing requirements.
- The league’s reputation could take a hit if stunts keep dominating headlines.
- NBA, NHL, and NCAA events may update protocols across the board.
- More serious injuries could lead to legal and insurance consequences.
Can the WNBA Get Ahead of the Problem?
The league is growing. Attendance is up. Viewership is strong. But that also brings new types of fans, new motives, and new risks.
Security plans designed for a quieter league five years ago may no longer be enough. If four people have pulled this off in two weeks, odds are someone else will try again. Whether it’s for money, content, or attention, that’s a risk the league can’t afford to ignore.
