The WNBA has recently been disrupted by a string of unusual and troubling incidents involving fans throwing green vibrators onto the court during games. These events have sparked widespread outrage, raised security concerns, and prompted the league to enforce stricter measures against disruptive fan behavior.
The first incident occurred during a late-July game between the Atlanta Dream and the Las Vegas Aces, leading to a temporary halt in play. Only days later, another similar disruption took place, resulting in the arrest of a fan. Despite these actions, the bizarre trend continued, impacting multiple games across different arenas.
Behind these stunts is a coordinated effort by an online group aiming to promote a newly launched cryptocurrency. The group’s members, communicating through encrypted online channels, sought to hijack trending topics and controversial spaces to maximize visibility. They deliberately targeted the WNBA, using the disruptions to draw attention to their brand. The cryptocurrency in question was launched just one day before the first incident, and the orchestrators monitored games live while sharing derogatory commentary about the league.
The group has claimed responsibility for planning similar acts in several arenas, with hints that they may shift focus to other sports, including Major League Baseball. They have described their activities as part of a “fun” and “fearless” movement in internet culture, despite the clear safety risks and disrespect toward players and fans.
Two individuals have been arrested so far in connection to the incidents, one of them celebrated online within the group as a “hero.” The cryptocurrency’s value has reportedly surged significantly in the wake of the media coverage, raising questions about whether publicity-driven disruption is becoming a more common promotional tactic.
Players, coaches, and league officials have condemned the acts as a form of harassment and a continuation of the long-standing sexualization of women in sports. They stress that such behavior is not only inappropriate but also dangerous. The WNBA has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safety, stating that any fan who throws objects onto the court will be immediately ejected, face at least a one-year ban, and possibly be arrested and prosecuted.
While the perpetrators see their actions as clever marketing, the league and its community view them as unacceptable violations of respect and safety, underscoring the need for stronger preventative measures at sporting events.
