Crypto backers claim responsibility after green toys land at WNBA games

Crypto investors claim responsibility for a series of pranks involving green sex toys tossed onto WNBA courts, stirring backlash and safety concerns.

Crypto backers claim responsibility after green sex toys land at WNBA games

Incidents at WNBA games in Atlanta, Brooklyn, Chicago, Los Angeles and Phoenix involved bright green sex toys thrown toward the court during play. The acts drew arrests and sharp rebukes from players, fans and league officials who warned that objects hurled into arenas can threaten safety and lead to ejections or bans.

A group behind the Green Dildo Coin memecoin says the episode was a planned campaign to promote its currency. The effort reportedly included a website, merchandise, NFTs and a Telegram channel that has grown beyond 1,000 members. NBC News, citing the backers who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the aim was to revive a playful crypto culture and to monetize a trend through a broad, participatory approach. The plan reportedly involved four individuals with mixed outcomes; one backed out and another’s throw did not reach the court. The campaign has also attracted attention from political figures and sports reporters, along with coverage from major outlets such as The Athletic and USA Today.

The campaign has pushed the coins toward a market value around 15 million dollars by Friday, with top holders each controlling substantial sums. A spokesman framed the stunt as a broader push for meme driven finance, linking it to a desire to spark conversation about crypto and online culture. The league has condemned the acts and reiterated that any object thrown into a venue will be treated as a safety risk and can lead to immediate removal and a one year ban from attendance. One Phoenix incident involved an 18-year-old throwing a toy that struck a man watching with his young relative, triggering a legal response and ongoing investigations.

This episode highlights how meme driven money can collide with real world spaces. It shows both the power of online trends to draw attention and the fragility of public safety when internet fame becomes a financial tactic. The WNBA response is clear and principled on safety, but the wider impact on fans and the league image remains in question.

It also raises questions about who benefits from promoter driven campaigns in sports. Investors and political figures can become part of the story, which may complicate sponsorships and governance. As the meme coin movement grows, sports leagues may need firmer guardrails to separate playful stunts from actions that risk harm or alienate audiences.

Highlights

Public spaces carry real consequences when online trends go viral.