A Phoenix WNBA game took a disturbing turn Tuesday night when 18-year-old Kaden Lopez allegedly threw a green sex toy into the crowd during the Phoenix Mercury’s game, striking a man and his 9-year-old niece. Lopez appeared in court Wednesday and now faces multiple charges, including assault, disorderly conduct, and public display of explicit sexual material.
According to court documents, video footage captured Lopez retrieving the object from his sweater pocket and hurling it forward before standing up and attempting to leave the area. A witness, who volunteers at the arena, reportedly tackled Lopez and held him until police arrived.
The adult male victim told authorities he was watching the game with his niece when something hit his back and landed beside them. Upon realizing it was a sex toy, he expressed his desire to press charges. Both the WNBA and PHX Arena have backed the prosecution, citing serious concerns over fan safety and decorum.
Lopez later admitted to police that the act was a “stupid prank” inspired by a trending social media challenge. He reportedly purchased the toy the day before the game with the intention of bringing it to the event.
Kaden Lopez, 18, appeared in court today after allegedly throwing a green dildo onto the court during last night’s Phoenix Mercury game, per @trentonhooker
He’s accused of hitting someone with the object and now faces charges of assault and disorderly conduct pic.twitter.com/kZBJEgShhD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 7, 2025
This incident marks the latest in a troubling pattern of similar disruptions at WNBA games, with at least five known cases of fans throwing sex toys onto courts or into crowds in recent weeks. The WNBA has issued a stern warning that anyone engaging in such behavior will face immediate ejection, criminal charges, and a minimum one-year ban from attending games.
As Lopez awaits further legal proceedings, the league continues to grapple with how to curb this bizarre and increasingly dangerous trend. What began as a misguided joke has now escalated into a serious issue of public safety and respect for players and fans alike.
