Calls Mount to Bar WNBA Players from Team USA if They Skip National Anthem

Public figures are calling for consequences for WNBA players who leave the court during the national anthem, suggesting that such actions should disqualify them from representing the United States in international competitions like the Olympics. The controversy stems from players from the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries not being present for the anthem before the first two games of the WNBA Finals.

Riley Gaines, a former competitive swimmer, expressed her view on social media, stating, "It’s my personal opinion that if you kneel for the flag and what it represents, you shouldn’t be able to represent the USA at the Olympics." She later expanded on this, telling OutKick that while players are free to avoid the anthem, "that choice has consequences when the same athletes later seek the honor of representing the United States on the international stage."

Gaines argued that the American flag and anthem represent the nation's people, shared identity, freedoms, and those who have sacrificed for them, not any specific political party or administration. She added that if players find standing for the anthem optional or objectionable during the WNBA season, it raises questions about their readiness to bear the full responsibility of representing the country on a global platform.

Former Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones echoed this sentiment, calling for players from both teams to be deemed ineligible for the U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team.

Atlanta Dream players Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard were named to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup roster. While Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase served as an assistant coach for the U.S. in a previous competition, the team did not have players on the recent World Cup roster. Both Reese and Howard stood for the anthem during the FIBA Women's World Cup in September. However, sources close to the WNBA suggest that representing the U.S. internationally carries an added responsibility to show respect for the country at home.

Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele also criticized the league's actions, warning in a social media video that the anthem absences could "turn fans away forever." She stated that while players have the right to express themselves, there can be a cost to such actions.

The WNBA's 2026 official rulebook includes a provision requiring players, coaches, and trainers to stand and line up along the sidelines during the national anthem. OutKick reported that inquiries to the WNBA and both teams regarding the anthem absences and clarification of league requirements have gone unanswered.