A chaotic scene erupted at the WNBA matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty on Thursday night when a fan threw a green object onto the court during a critical moment in the fourth quarter, forcing a temporary halt to play.

The incident occurred with 6:12 remaining in the game, as the Aces’ Kelsey Plum drove to the basket amidst a tight 84-82 scoreline. The unidentified object—a later-identified green foam dart—landed near the feet of referee Alex Rawls, prompting an immediate stoppage.

Players from both teams expressed shock, with Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu shouting, “What is wrong with people?” as security rushed to locate the fan. The game resumed after a seven-minute delay, but the disruption dominated post-game conversations and reignited debates about fan behavior and arena security in the WNBA.

The fan, later identified as a 24-year-old New York resident, was ejected from the arena and banned from future events pending an investigation. According to witnesses, the individual stood up in section 214 and yelled, “This is for the calls you missed!” before hurling the object.

The green foam dart, approximately 4 inches long, appeared to be a novelty item rather than a weapon, but its intent to disrupt was clear. “It’s just stupid,” said Aces center A’ja Wilson. “We’re out here trying to compete, and someone thinks it’s funny to throw something? It’s disrespectful to everyone here.”

The incident marks the second time this season a fan has interfered with gameplay; in June, a Los Angeles Sparks game was paused after a spectator tossed a folded shirt onto the court during free throws.

League officials condemned the action in a joint statement released Friday morning. “The safety and respect of our players, officials, and staff are paramount,” read the statement. “We are working closely with arena security and law enforcement to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.”

The WNBA also announced it would review its security protocols, including bag checks and fan education initiatives, though details remain pending. The Liberty organization echoed the sentiment, vowing to “take all necessary steps to maintain a positive and secure environment for our athletes and supporters.”

The disruption came at a pivotal moment in the game, which the Aces ultimately won 94-89. Plum, who scored 22 points, downplayed the incident’s impact but acknowledged its awkwardness. “You don’t expect something like that to happen, but we’re professionals,” she said.

“We regrouped and finished strong.” Ionescu, however, was more critical: “It’s embarrassing for our league. We’re trying to grow the game, and this is the kind of thing that makes people roll their eyes.”

The game’s broadcast team, including ESPN’s Doris Burke, criticized the lack of immediate consequences for the fan, noting that similar incidents in the NBA often result in lifetime bans.

Social media reactions were swift and divided. Some fans defended the protester, joking about the absurdity of a foam dart or framing it as a harmless prank. Others, including former WNBA players, called for stricter penalties.

“If you can’t behave, you don’t get to watch,” tweeted retired legend Candace Parker. “Simple as that.” The hashtag #RespectTheGame trended within hours, with supporters urging the league to take fan misconduct more seriously.

Meanwhile, memes mocking the green dart proliferated, underscoring the incident’s dual role as both a serious issue and a source of unintended humor.

The incident also raised questions about the WNBA’s challenges in balancing fan engagement with maintaining decorum.

Unlike the NBA, which has a well-established culture of strict security and fan accountability, the WNBA’s smaller arenas and more intimate atmosphere can sometimes blur the lines between supporters and athletes.

“Our fans are amazing, but we need to remind them that respect is non-negotiable,” said Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard.

“This isn’t a concert or a party—it’s a professional sporting event.” The league has faced similar issues in the past, including a 2022 incident where a fan spat at a player during a post-game interview, leading to a lifetime ban.

Security experts argue that Thursday’s event highlights the need for proactive measures. “You can’t prevent every idiotic act, but you can minimize opportunities,” said stadium security consultant Mark Reynolds.

“More visible ushers, stricter enforcement of codes of conduct, and real-time monitoring of crowd behavior can help.” Some teams have already implemented AI-powered camera systems to detect potential disruptions, though the WNBA’s smaller budget compared to the NBA complicates widespread adoption.

The league has not ruled out increasing security personnel or partnering with fan education groups to address the issue.

For the players, the incident is another reminder of the unique pressures they face. WNBA athletes often interact directly with fans due to the league’s accessibility, but that closeness can sometimes turn volatile.

“We love our fans, but there’s a line,” said Sky forward Emma Meesseman. “We’re human beings, not targets for frustration.” The Players Association released a statement backing stronger penalties for misconduct, including lifetime bans and legal action where applicable.

The timing of the incident could not have been worse for the WNBA, which is in the midst of a critical playoff push and has been celebrating a surge in attendance and viewership.

The league reported a 12% increase in ticket sales this season, with marquee matchups like Thursday’s Aces-Liberty game drawing national attention. However, high-profile disruptions risk undermining the progress made in recent years.

“This isn’t about one fan—it’s about the message we send,” said Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a Friday press conference. “We will not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes the experience for everyone else.”

As for the fan involved, legal consequences remain possible. New York law prohibits interfering with sporting events, and the individual could face misdemeanor charges.

The Barclays Center, where the game was held, has also initiated its own investigation, reviewing footage to determine if the fan had prior violations. A spokesperson said the venue would “cooperate fully with authorities to ensure this individual faces appropriate repercussions.”

The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about sports etiquette in women’s athletics. Some commentators noted that similar disruptions are less common in WNBA games compared to other leagues, attributing it to the league’s strong community ethos.

“Our fans are knowledgeable and passionate, but they also respect the game,” said Lynx forward Napheesa Collier. “This was an outlier, not the norm.” However, others argued that the relative rarity of such incidents makes them more jarring when they occur.

Moving forward, the WNBA faces a delicate task: addressing misconduct without alienating its loyal fanbase. The league has long prided itself on fostering inclusivity and connection between players and supporters, a strategy that has helped build a devoted following.

Overcorrecting with heavy-handed security measures could risk dampening the energetic atmosphere that defines WNBA games. “It’s a tightrope walk,” said Sparks owner Chris Cooper. “We want our arenas to feel welcoming, but we also have to protect our athletes.”

For now, the Aces and Liberty have moved on, with the former securing a crucial win in their playoff hunt. But the memory of the green dart—and the chaos it caused—will linger. As the WNBA enters its postseason, the league will hope that the focus remains on the court, where the drama is meant to unfold.

In the end, Thursday’s incident serves as a reminder of the thin line between enthusiasm and disrespect in sports. While the WNBA continues to navigate the challenges of growth and visibility, moments like these test the league’s ability to balance passion with professionalism.

For the players, coaches, and fans who make women’s basketball thrive, the message is clear: love the game, but let the athletes play.