WNBA Games Disrupted by Targeted Harassment Stunts
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Sex toys thrown during Chicago Sky and Golden State Valkyries matchup highlight a growing trend of disruptive protests targeting female athletes.
A recent game between the Chicago Sky and the Golden State Valkyries was disrupted when sex toys were thrown onto the playing surface, according to reporting from The Guardian.
This incident is part of a recurring trend that began last season. The Guardian reports that a group of crypto traders has claimed responsibility for the most recent event in Chicago, as well as previous incidents. These individuals stated their actions are intended to show support for Sophie Cunningham, a player who has declared her opposition to trans women competing in women's sports. The Guardian notes that the crypto traders previously utilized the same stunt to promote a meme coin.
The disruption comes amid a broader surge in WNBA visibility following the professional debut of Caitlin Clark. However, The Guardian reports that this growth has been accompanied by increased cultural friction. The outlet highlights that protests outside games involving the Indiana Fever have frequently received more media coverage than the games themselves.
While the WNBA has historically been supported by LGBTQ fans and players, the league is currently facing a wave of controversy. The Guardian reports that figures such as former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom and outlets like Fox News have engaged with these conflicts. To date, The Guardian reports that only young men have been apprehended for the disruptive stunts on the court.