WNBA Finals Teams Again Absent for National Anthem, Ignoring League Rulebook
Both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries repeated their Game 1 absence from the court during the national anthem before Game 2, despite a WNBA rulebook provision requiring players to stand.
The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries were absent from the court for the national anthem before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on Monday night, a repeat of their actions in Game 1. This occurred despite a provision in the WNBA's official rulebook that requires players, coaches, and trainers to "stand and line up in a dignified posture" along the sidelines or foul line during the anthem.
Just as in the previous game, both teams left the court less than a minute before the anthem began and returned mere seconds after the final note was sung. These repeated absences followed inquiries from OutKick to both teams regarding their presence during the anthem. Those questions had gone unanswered prior to OutKick's follow-up report on Monday morning.
The WNBA's 2026 official rulebook explicitly states the requirement for players to be present for the anthem. OutKick directed multiple requests for comment to the league, the Dream, and the Valkyries, inquiring about anthem requirements, potential discipline for the Game 1 absence, and any instructions given for Game 2. The WNBA has not responded to these requests.
Prior to Game 1 on Saturday, both teams were observed warming up on the court before leaving ahead of the anthem and returning shortly after its conclusion. OutKick contacted the league and both teams that afternoon, with follow-up inquiries made on Sunday. These messages also questioned whether the WNBA had issued any directives or communicated expectations regarding the anthem following Game 1.
OutKick representatives attended pregame and postgame press conferences for all five games of the series, but were not called upon to ask questions about the anthem. Similar attempts to ask questions during coaches' press conferences prior to Game 2 were also unsuccessful. The league's rulebook mandates player participation during the anthem, yet neither team has been present on the court for its performance in the Finals, and the WNBA has remained silent on the apparent violation of its own policy.