WNBA Teams Skip National Anthem, League Remains Silent Amid Rule Violation

SAN FRANCISCO – The WNBA's rulebook requires players, coaches, and trainers to stand and line up along the sidelines or foul line during the national anthem. However, neither the Atlanta Dream nor the Golden State Valkyries were present on the court during the anthem prior to Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals. The league has not responded to inquiries regarding their absence.

Both teams were warming up at Chase Center before leaving the court just before the anthem began. They returned shortly after it ended, but the reason for their absence remains unclear. OutKick reached out to the WNBA as well as both teams for clarification, following up on Sunday with no responses received.

Questions posed to the teams included the rationale for their absence during the anthem in Game 1 and whether they would participate for Game 2 on Monday night. The WNBA's official rulebook explicitly states that players and coaches must line up for the anthem, but no answers have been provided regarding potential enforcement or disciplinary actions.

The initial event took place on October 17, 2026. Game 2 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Chase Center. Despite their quick return to the court after the anthem, the teams have not offered an explanation for their absence, prompting scrutiny of their pregame routines.