The rumor about safety nets spread online as a handful of games were marred by objects tossed from the stands. Police in College Park, Georgia, arrested a 23-year-old man after an item was thrown onto the floor during last week’s Valkyries–Dream game; he faces counts including disorderly conduct and criminal trespass, according to law-enforcement records cited by ESPN. The league said the individual was ejected and would be banned, underscoring the zero-tolerance approach.
In Phoenix, an 18-year-old was arrested after a thrown object allegedly struck spectators during a Mercury game, authorities said, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The case added to a series of similar disruptions in late July and early August that prompted sharper messaging to fans about consequences and cooperation with local police.
New York authorities are also investigating a separate incident at Barclays Center. The NYPD released images of a man wanted after a bright green object was thrown during a Liberty–Wings game on Aug. 5, with a 12-year-old reporting a minor injury; People reported that detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify the suspect.
Several arenas have seen brief stoppages tied to these incidents, including Chicago, where local coverage noted repeated interruptions and amplified the league’s minimum one-year ban language. Coaches and players across the league have condemned the behavior as dangerous and disrespectful, urging swift removal and prosecution of offenders. NBC Chicago
The claim that “all 13 WNBA teams” were ordered to install safety nets is not supported by any league memo, press release, or credible reporting. The figure of 13 reflects the current number of franchises after 2025 expansion, but there is no evidence of a league-wide directive to add physical barriers around the court. What is confirmed is the enforcement posture: immediate ejection, minimum one-year bans, and potential criminal charges coordinated with local law enforcement.
As investigations continue in multiple cities, league officials say the focus remains on player, official, and fan safety through consistent enforcement of arena standards rather than structural alterations to game presentation. Based on available statements and police actions to date, reports of mandated “safety nets” are false; the WNBA is instead leaning on discipline and arrests to deter future incidents.