Crypto group uses WNBA sextoys to boost cryptocurrency price

A crypto linked stunt disrupted WNBA games as investigators link a group to pumping a coin through social media attention.

Crypto group uses WNBA sextoys to boost cryptocurrency price

In the past ten days three WNBA games were disrupted as green colored sextoys were hurled onto the court. The league and security teams condemned the acts as dangerous and disruptive, and investigations were launched. USA Today and ESPN traced the episodes to a group tied to a cryptocurrency project that sought media attention to lift the token’s price. An anonymous source told ESPN the motive was to attract attention and promote the coin, with plans for similar demonstrations in four arenas on a Tuesday night.

Two men have been arrested. Delbert Carver, 23, was identified as the first to throw a sextoy, though the source says he was not part of the group that planned the stunt. The second suspect, Kaden Lopez, 18, was named by investigators. Forbes reported a sharp price rise for the token during the week, and online searches for the green toy surged. The incident crossed into MLB when a woman displayed a green sextoy during Marlins vs. Astros in Miami, signaling a broader reach for the tactic.

This episode shows how a coordinated online narrative can leak into the real world and affect markets and reputations. It raises questions about how sports leagues regulate fan conduct, and how crypto marketing can blur lines between entertainment and manipulation. The case suggests a need for stronger security and clearer policies on sponsor driven stunt marketing, as well as greater scrutiny of how token projects recruit attention. If unchecked, such tactics could erode trust in both sports and crypto markets and invite regulatory scrutiny.

Highlights

Time will tell whether this was a one off or a broader trend.