WNBA Teams Skip National Anthem Despite Rulebook Requirement

The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries chose to stay off the court during the national anthem before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on Monday night in San Francisco. This action mirrored their absence during Game 1, raising questions about adherence to league rules.

The WNBA rulebook has a provision requiring players to ‘stand and line up in a dignified posture’ during the anthem. Despite this, both teams left the floor shortly before the anthem began and returned quickly after it ended. This repeated absence came after OutKick asked the teams about their intentions for Game 2 following similar actions in Game 1.

OutKick’s queries to the teams regarding their absence remain unanswered even as Monday’s follow-up article was published. Furthermore, the league has not responded to questions about potential disciplinary actions or instructions to teams concerning the anthem protocol.

Before Game 1, both teams were seen warming up on the court but left before the anthem, returning only after the performance concluded. OutKick sought responses from the league, as well as from the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, regarding any official communication or expectations about the anthem posture since Game 1.

Players such as Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries and Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream were among those who remained off the floor during the national anthem, prompting further scrutiny from media outlets.

OutKick attempted to address these issues during Saturday’s pregame and postgame press conferences, yet no opportunity to ask related questions was provided. Similar efforts were made before Game 2, but again, reporters were not selected to speak.

As the WNBA Finals continue, the league’s silence on the matter of its own rulebook’s anthem policy highlights a controversial adherence issue. Two games in, neither team has appeared for the anthem, leaving the league’s stance on its enforceability in question.