WNBA Game Disruption: 18-Year-Old Arrested for Throwing Sex Toy

An unexpected and embarrassing incident marred a recent WNBA game, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old fan. Kaden Lopez allegedly threw a "green dildo" during the highly anticipated match between the Phoenix Mercury and the Connecticut Sun at PHX Arena, striking a man and his 9-year-old niece.

Incident Overview

On August 5, 2025, around 8:03 PM local time, Arizona authorities apprehended Lopez for his disruptive actions. He was charged with:

• Disorderly conduct
• Assault
• Public display of explicit sexual material

Lopez made an appearance in court the following day, where he expressed remorse for his behavior, referring to the act as a “stupid prank that was trending on social media.”

Eyewitness Accounts

According to reports from FOX 10 Phoenix, the incident escalated quickly when a male victim felt something strike his back. Upon inspection, he realized it was a sex toy. The victim was present at the game with his niece and articulated a strong desire for prosecution against Lopez.

Video evidence captured the moment Lopez retrieved the toy from his pocket before throwing it onto the court. The footage reveals him standing up and attempting to leave the area, but an arena volunteer intervened and tackled him until police arrived.

Recent Trends at WNBA Games

Similar Incidents

Lopez’s arrest is not an isolated case. This event is part of a troubling trend in the WNBA where fans have launched various items, including sex toys, onto the court during games. Other notable incidents include:

• July 29, 2025: Objects were thrown during a game between the Valkyries and Dream in Atlanta.
• August 1, 2025: Another incident occurred involving the Valkyries and Sky in Chicago.
• August 5, 2025: A similar occurrence took place during the game between the Fever and Sparks in Los Angeles.

Videos from the Los Angeles game show Sparks guard Kelsey Plum swiftly kicking a sex toy off the court, highlighting the distractions such acts create for players.

League’s Stance on Fan Safety

In response to the increasing frequency of these incidents, the WNBA emphasizes the importance of safety for players, officials, and fans. A league statement made it clear that:

“Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans.”

Consequently, the league has instituted strict measures, where fans engaging in such behavior face immediate ejection, a minimum one-year ban, and potential legal repercussions.

Conclusion

The bemusing incident involving Kaden Lopez sheds light on ongoing challenges faced by sporting events, particularly in maintaining a respectful environment. As the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office considers the case for prosecution, it raises questions about fan behavior and accountability at games.

For further details on the implications of such behavior in sports culture, visit WNBA’s official site to understand their comprehensive safety measures and policies.