The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries departed the court during the national anthem prior to the first two games of the WNBA Finals. In response, Riley Gaines has stated that such actions should have consequences for athletes aspiring to represent the United States on an international level.
Gaines expressed her views while sharing a video from OutKick highlighting the absence of both teams during the Game 2 anthem. On social media, she commented, “In my opinion, if you kneel for the flag and what it symbolizes, you shouldn’t be eligible to represent the USA at the Olympics.”
In further comments to OutKick, Gaines elaborated on her stance regarding players who leave the court to avoid the national anthem. She remarked, “The American flag and national anthem symbolize more than just the current political landscape; they embody the American people, our shared identity, and the many generations that have fought to protect our freedoms.” She added, “Choosing to leave the court to skip the anthem is a conscious decision, and while players are free to express that, such actions could have repercussions when they later pursue the honor of representing the U.S. abroad.”
Despite inquiries, neither the Finals teams nor the WNBA have responded concerning the anthem absences. The NBA, whose commissioner is actively involved in finding the next WNBA commissioner, also remains silent on the matter.
Gaines emphasized that showing patriotism does not mean one must blindly support a political party or ignore America’s flaws. Yet she believes that how athletes engage with the anthem should factor into their readiness to represent the nation. “If an athlete views standing for the anthem as optional or problematic during the WNBA season, it raises questions about their readiness to carry the responsibility of representing the U.S. on a global platform,” she said.
Former Georgia state representative Vernon Jones has called for players from both teams to lose their eligibility for Olympic basketball. He stated that these athletes “should be ineligible to play on the U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team.”
Atlanta’s Connection to Team USA
Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard were both named to Team USA’s 2026 Women’s World Cup roster, becoming the franchise’s first players selected to compete for the U.S. in a women’s World Cup or Olympics together.
While Golden State had no players included in this roster, their head coach Natalie Nakase served as an assistant for the U.S. team. Additionally, Golden State’s Gabby Williams plays for France.
Both Reese and Howard stood for the national anthem while representing the U.S. at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in September. Showing respect towards the country they represent with a USA jersey is crucial, and this expectation doesn’t lessen when they switch to their WNBA jerseys. The choice to skip the anthem on the court during the WNBA Finals does not meet the standards expected of athletes in such prestigious roles.
Sage Steele Speaks Out
Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele has also criticized the league, posting a video on social media that accused WNBA players, coaches, and management of disrespecting the nation by leaving the court for the anthem. “They certainly have the right to express themselves, but there are consequences,” Steele noted.
Steele further pointed out that this ongoing lack of respect might drive fans away permanently. “They may not return, and that will be on them,” she added. While players have the freedom to express their opinions, that liberty comes at a potential cost.
WNBA’s Anthem Requirements
Both teams were absent during the anthem in Game 1 and Game 2 at the Chase Center, though they returned almost immediately after the performance concluded. The WNBA’s 2026 official rulebook stipulates that players, coaches, and trainers are to line up along the sidelines or foul line respectfully during the anthem.
OutKick reached out to the WNBA and both teams following Game 1 for clarification on their anthem policies and plans for Game 3 in Atlanta, but no responses have been forthcoming.
For Gaines, the issue isn’t merely about the pregame ritual in the WNBA. “Wearing the USA jersey isn’t just a privilege that comes with athletic success; it’s a public duty,” she concluded.
