Cryptocurrency Group Claims Credit for WNBA 'Dildogate'

A self-described cryptocurrency enthusiast has claimed that his online cryptocurrency community coordinated the recent sex-toy tosses that disrupted multiple WNBA games, saying the stunts were designed to promote a coin the group created.

The man, who uses the handle “Lt. Daldo Raine,” spoke anonymously to ESPN over a video conference, kept his camera off, and declined to share his name or age.

He said the coin began trading on July 28—one day before the first incident on July 29, when a green sex toy was thrown during the Atlanta Dream–Golden State Valkyries game, leading to a fourth-quarter postponement.

ESPN reviewed posts from the group’s Telegram channel, which had more than 1,000 users, that featured advanced chatter, a link to the game stream, and celebratory comments. A WNBA spokesperson declined to comment on the claim.

WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson said the union requested an update and was told the league is investigating whether individuals were incentivized to participate.

Two arrests have followed. Delbert Carver, 23, of Marietta, Georgia, was arrested Aug. 1 in connection with a toss at the end of a Dream–Phoenix Mercury game and faces counts including disorderly conduct, public indecency/indecent exposure, and criminal trespass.

Police say he tried to flee and admitted to throwing the first object on July 29; the crypto source said Carver isn’t affiliated with the group and wasn’t the original thrower.

Also on Aug. 1, another green object was tossed during the Chicago Sky–Valkyries game. Player Sophie Cunningham posted on X, “Stop throwing dildos on the court.”

Coordinated attempts continued Tuesday across four arenas. In Phoenix, 18-year-old Kaden Lopez was arrested after a throw that hit two spectators, including a minor; he faces misdemeanor disorderly conduct and assault after a felony count was dropped.

A planned attempt in Seattle did not occur. The WNBA reiterated that anyone who throws an object will be ejected and face a minimum one-year ban, with potential arrest and prosecution.

Since July 29, the coin’s price has climbed about 300%, Google searches for “green dildo” have spiked 3,700%, and at least one sportsbook offered prop bets that group members allegedly exploited. The group says it will pivot away from WNBA games to less disruptive stunts, citing a sighting at a Marlins–Astros MLB game.