Photo credit: Balleraert
Angel Reese had a front-row view of an unusual disruption during Thursday’s WNBA matchup between the Atlanta Dream and Los Angeles Sparks.
During the third quarter, a green sex toy was thrown onto the court at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The incident briefly stopped play as Sparks forward Jihyun Park prepared to take a free throw.
Reese, who was on the Dream bench at the time, quickly pointed toward the stands and appeared to identify the person responsible. Video from the arena showed the suspected fan leaving the seating area as security moved in.
The individual was subsequently apprehended by arena security and arrested, according to a source familiar with the situation. The person was also given an indefinite ban from all WNBA, NBA and league-affiliated games and events.
Angel Reese Points Out Fan During WNBA Game
The bizarre moment happened with less than three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Park was preparing to shoot a free throw when the object landed on the court in front of the Sparks bench. A referee immediately stopped play while arena personnel dealt with the disruption.
Reese then stood up from the Dream bench and pointed toward the crowd. Her reaction quickly became one of the most talked-about moments from the game, with footage of the incident spreading online.
Sparks center Cameron Brink also helped clear the court by kicking the object away before security removed it.
The incident did not stop the Dream from completing a dominant performance. Atlanta defeated Los Angeles 124-88, with Reese finishing the game with 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
Fan Faces Indefinite WNBA and NBA Ban
The arrest comes as the WNBA continues to deal with similar incidents involving objects being thrown onto the court.
The league experienced several sex-toy incidents during the 2025 season. The behavior returned Thursday night, despite previous warnings that fans who throw objects onto the court could face ejection, bans and potential criminal charges.
A league source told The Athletic that the person involved in Thursday’s incident has been banned indefinitely from WNBA, NBA and affiliated league events.
The league is also expected to continue working with law enforcement to hold people responsible for disruptive behavior at games.
The latest incident has renewed conversations about fan conduct and safety at WNBA games. Players and league officials have previously emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe environment for athletes and spectators.
For Reese, the incident became another viral moment from a night in which she helped the Dream secure a convincing win.
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Source: USA TODAY Sports/The Athletic, People, Front Office Sports.
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