NBA and WNBA Remain Silent on Teams Skipping National Anthem

The NBA and WNBA have not responded to questions concerning the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries being off the court for the pregame national anthem before the first two games of the WNBA Finals. The NBA has remained silent despite a rulebook provision requiring players to stand and line up during the anthem.

OutKick reached out to NBA Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass on Tuesday with inquiries about the NBA's role in the matter, potential discipline, and whether the teams would be instructed to be present for the anthem before Game 3. As of the deadline, neither the NBA nor the WNBA, nor the two teams involved, have provided answers.

The WNBA's 2026 official rulebook states that players, coaches, and trainers are required to stand and line up along the sidelines or foul line during the national anthem. OutKick specifically asked Bass whether the NBA has a role in overseeing or enforcing this provision, or if enforcement is solely the WNBA's responsibility. Questions were also posed regarding whether NBA Commissioner Adam Silver or other league officials had discussed the absences with WNBA leadership and what guidance, if any, was provided.

Further inquiries included whether either team had received an exemption, if discipline was being considered, and what the plans were for Game 3. Bass's responsibilities reportedly encompass public relations for both the NBA and WNBA. The NBA's involvement with the WNBA dates back to the women's league's inception, with the NBA Board of Governors approving its creation in 1996.

In February 2021, Bass issued an official NBA statement that reiterated the league's requirement for teams to play the national anthem, stating, "all teams will play the national anthem in keeping with longstanding league policy." The current questions from OutKick focus on whether WNBA teams are obligated to be present on the court during the anthem's performance.

Before Game 1 on Saturday and Game 2 on Monday, both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court prior to the anthem and returned shortly after it concluded. OutKick had contacted the WNBA, the Dream, and the Valkyries after Game 1 and followed up on Sunday. After the teams were again absent for Game 2, OutKick reiterated its questions on Tuesday.

At press conferences following the games, questions regarding the anthem absences were not raised by reporters, and OutKick was not afforded an opportunity to ask its questions during the available press sessions.