WNBA Remains Silent as Finals Teams Skip National Anthem
League and Finals teams offer no explanation for players leaving the court during the anthem, despite existing rules.
The WNBA has not provided an explanation for why both the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries were absent from the court during the national anthem prior to Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. Neither team has responded to inquiries about their absence or their plans for Game 2.
The league's 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.
Both teams were observed warming up on the court before leaving shortly before the anthem's performance. The players returned to the floor within seconds of the anthem concluding. Attempts by OutKick to obtain comments from the WNBA, the Dream, and the Valkyries on Saturday and Sunday were not immediately successful in clarifying the situation.
Follow-up questions sought reasons for the Game 1 absence, intentions for Game 2, and whether the WNBA had issued any new directives or expectations regarding the anthem. The league has not addressed whether any disciplinary actions are being considered or if teams will be instructed to be present for future anthems.
Game 2 of the WNBA Finals is scheduled for Monday night at Chase Center. The teams and the league have yet to offer any public statements regarding the anthem situation.