Security review prompted by sex toy disruptions at Wintrust Arena

A series of objects thrown during Sky games at Wintrust Arena raises questions about crowd control and conduct.

Sex toy incidents at Wintrust Arena prompt security review

Two objects were hurled toward the court during the fourth quarter of Thursday’s Chicago Sky vs Atlanta Dream game, with a green sex toy landing behind the Dream bench and a pink object landing on the court, prompting a pause with 5.9 seconds left. A suspect was detained after the game and released after questioning; no arrests have been reported.

A similar incident occurred Friday during Chicago’s game against the Golden State Valkyries, when a green sex toy landed near players with 7:42 left in the third quarter. A suspect identified fled the premises before detention and police actions followed, but no charges have been disclosed. Monterrey Security handles arena security, coordinating with the Sky’s security team and the Chicago Police Department. The league notes at least six interruptions over the past 10 days and mentions a crypto traders group claiming partial responsibility to spur publicity for a meme coin.

The episodes reveal a new strain in fan disruption tied to online meme culture. The crypto angle adds a layer of complexity, turning a stadium annoyance into a public relations and safety challenge. The league’s response—fines, bans, and ongoing security tightening—will test how it protects players while maintaining a welcoming environment for fans.

There is a tension between allowing free expression and preventing harassment or demeaning acts toward players. How the league enforces rules and what penalties it imposes will shape trust among fans, sponsors, and participants in coming seasons.

Highlights

The next steps will test the league's ability to keep games safe and respectful.