WNBA Teams Skip National Anthem Despite Rule Requirement

The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries exited the court before the national anthem for the second game of the WNBA Finals on Monday night. This decision mirrors their absence during Game 1, despite the WNBA’s rulebook mandating that players stand and line up during the anthem.

Just as in Game 1, both teams left less than a minute before the anthem began and returned shortly after its conclusion. OutKick, a sports media outlet, inquired about these absences, but neither team responded prior to the publication of a follow-up on Monday morning.

The WNBA’s rulebook includes an unmistakable anthem provision. According to the 2026 edition, players, coaches, and trainers must ‘stand and line up in a dignified posture’ for the anthem. OutKick requested clarification from the WNBA regarding any potential disciplinary actions or instructions for Games 1 and 2, but received no response.

Before Saturday’s opener, both teams warmed up on the court before departing for the national anthem, returning instantly after it ended. Journalists from OutKick sought comments from the WNBA, Dream, and Valkyries but received none.

Stars like Gabby Williams of the Valkyries and Angel Reese of the Dream were not present on the court during the anthem at the Finals. Questions about the league’s stance on the missing teams and its anthem policy remain unanswered.

OutKick made continuous efforts to pose these inquiries at pregame and postgame press conferences across both games, but their questions went unheard. Despite the visible absence during the anthem at both Finals games, the WNBA has yet to address this potential breach of policy. Reporter Dan Zaksheske from OutKick continues to seek answers.