WNBA Finals: Dream and Valkyries Again Skip National Anthem, League Rulebook Mandates Presence

Both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries were absent from the court during the national anthem before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on Monday evening in San Francisco. This marked a repetition of their actions in Game 1, despite the league's official rulebook mandating player presence and posture during the performance.

As observed during Game 1, the teams departed the playing surface less than a minute prior to the anthem's commencement and reappeared mere moments after its conclusion.

This continued absence occurred after journalists had previously sought clarification from both franchises regarding their absence during Saturday's anthem and their intentions for Monday's ceremony. Despite multiple inquiries directed at both teams, these questions remained without a response.

League Rules and Lack of Response

The WNBA’s 2026 official rulebook explicitly states that players, coaches, and trainers are expected to “stand and line up in a dignified posture” along the sidelines or on the foul line during the national anthem.

Questions directed to the league encompassed its anthem protocols, whether any disciplinary actions were being considered or planned following Game 1, and if there had been any instructions, or plans to issue instructions, to either team regarding their presence for Game 2. Additionally, confirmation was sought regarding whether both teams would be present for Monday's anthem.

Despite numerous requests for comment, the WNBA has not issued a statement in response to these inquiries.

Before Saturday’s opening game, both teams were engaged in warm-ups on the court but subsequently left just prior to the anthem. They returned within seconds of the performance concluding.

Journalists contacted the league, the Dream, and the Valkyries on Saturday afternoon, following up with all three parties on Sunday. Inquiries to the teams also included questions about whether the WNBA had communicated any instructions or expectations regarding the anthem since Game 1.

During all five pregame and postgame press conferences held on Saturday, journalists attempted to pose questions regarding the anthem situation but were not selected to speak. Similar attempts were made at both coaches' press conferences before Game 2, again without success.

The WNBA’s own rulebook calls for players to stand and line up for the anthem. Two games into its Finals series, neither team has been on the floor for it, and the league has maintained its silence regarding what appears to be a breach of its established policy.