National Anthem Absences Continue in WNBA Finals
SAN FRANCISCO – In a noteworthy repeat of last game, both the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries skipped the national anthem for Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on Monday. This decision came despite a rule in the league’s own guideline that instructs players to stand and line up during the anthem.
As in Game 1, the teams exited the court slightly less than a minute before the anthem began, returning mere moments after the singer finished.
This absence followed inquiries from OutKick directed toward both teams about their absence on Saturday and whether they planned to be present for Monday’s anthem. Despite multiple requests for clarification, those questions were left unaddressed when OutKick published a follow-up on Monday morning.
The WNBA’s Anthem Provision
The WNBA’s official rulebook for 2026 specifies that players, coaches, and trainers are to “stand and line up in a dignified posture” during the national anthem along the sidelines or on the foul line.
OutKick reached out to the league to inquire about anthem policies and whether any disciplinary measures were being considered regarding Game 1. Additionally, we questioned whether the league had directed either team to be present for Game 2.
We also sought confirmation from the league about the anticipated presence of both teams for Monday’s game. However, the WNBA has yet to respond to multiple requests for comment.
What Happened Before Game 1?
Prior to the first game, both teams warmed up on the court before stepping off just before the anthem. They returned shortly after the performance concluded.
OutKick had pressed the league, as well as the Dream and Valkyries, for answers that afternoon and followed up on Sunday. The inquiries included asking if the league had relayed any instructions regarding the anthem since Game 1.
Throughout Saturday’s pregame and postgame press conferences, OutKick requested opportunities to ask about the anthem issue but was not called upon. The same was true during both coaches’ press conferences leading up to Game 2.
With the WNBA’s rulebook mandating that players stand for the anthem, it’s striking that neither team has made an appearance for it in the first two games of the Finals. The league appears to remain silent on this apparent breach of its own policy.
