WNBA Finals Players Continue to Skip National Anthem, Sparking Fan Debate
For the sixth consecutive game, players from the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries were not on the court during the national anthem, drawing varied reactions from fans and continued questions about league policy.
The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries continued a series-long pattern of absence from the court during the national anthem, as T.I.'s 10-year-old daughter, Heiress Harris, performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" before Game 6 of the WNBA Finals.
This marks the sixth consecutive game in the series where players from both teams have left the floor before the anthem began. The practice has drawn a spectrum of opinions from fans gathered outside State Farm Arena.
Some fans expressed a desire for players to be present on the court during the anthem. One fan stated, "I do think they should be out there." Another fan found the absences "a little bit" disrespectful but admitted it did not concern them significantly.
Conversely, others defended the players' decision. Renard Hayes, father of Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes and a military veteran, stated, "This is America, by the way, and I’ve served this country, so they can choose what they want." He added, "I don’t have an issue with it because it’s not a disrespect of the flag." Another fan commented, "They’ve been doing it for years. And that’s their choice. It is what it is." A representative for Valkyries center Kiah Stokes echoed this sentiment, saying, "I think it’s their decision."
Team representatives have offered explanations for the absences, characterizing them as part of a pregame routine. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase described the situation as "two years in" and "part of our pregame." When asked about the specifics, she stated, "I’m with my staff, so I’m focused on my plays." Gabby Williams, a forward for the Golden State Valkyries, denied that the team's absence was a protest, claiming it has been their routine for "like seven years now."
Atlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko offered a brief response when asked about his team's absences, stating, "We’re just kind of focused on the Finals." Dream guard Rhyne Howard indicated that she has not been on the court for the anthem during her tenure with the team but affirmed her commitment to singing the anthem when representing the United States internationally.
Despite the players' and coaches' comments, the WNBA's official rulebook for 2026 states that players, coaches, and trainers are expected to "stand and line up in a dignified posture" during the national anthem. The league reportedly suspended its anthem protocols in 2017, though the provision remains in the current rulebook.
OutKick has reached out to the WNBA and both teams for clarification regarding current requirements, enforcement, and any disciplinary actions. Inquiries were also made to the NBA league office.
The scheduling of Game 6 was adjusted to accommodate an NBA doubleheader, with the game starting at 12:30 p.m. Golden State entered Game 6 with a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.