The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries sparked controversy for leaving the court during the national anthem before both Game 1 and Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at San Francisco’s Chase Center, held on October 17 and 19, 2026. According to reports, players from both teams missed the anthem after warming up, returning only after it concluded.
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The decision to walk off the court has drawn criticism from fans and commentators, with some expressing disappointment over the teams' actions. ESPN's analysts cited the situation as indicative of a larger issue surrounding respect for the national anthem.
Despite the backlash, no official statement has been issued from the WNBA regarding the teams' actions. The league's rulebook specifies expectations for player conduct during the anthem, raising questions about the implications of the teams' decisions. Reports suggest the Atlanta Dream and the Valkyries violated these guidelines, which contributed to the ongoing controversy within the basketball community.
The Dream leveled the series in Game 2 with a decisive 79-65 victory over the Valkyries, following their previous loss in Game 1. This incident has overshadowed the competitive nature of the Finals, drawing attention more toward the national anthem controversy than the play on the court.