National Anthem Absences in WNBA Finals Raise Eyebrows

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries were notably absent from the court during the national anthem before Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena, continuing a pattern established throughout the series.

Interestingly, some fans also chose to remain seated, with a few keeping their hats on during the performance.

Attempting to gather insight on the players’ actions post-anthem, I discovered that my media credential didn’t allow access to that area, resulting in staff escorting me back to my designated seat.

WNBA PLAYERS, COACHES REFUSE TO EXPLAIN NATIONAL ANTHEM ABSENCES AMID MOUNTING CRITICISM

A staff member at State Farm Arena relayed that the Dream players typically wait in a hallway after exiting the court before games. However, when queried about the specifics of their actions during the anthem, the team did not respond right away.

Players from both teams remarked that this practice of staying off the court has been their custom for several years. In previous games, both teams would leave just before the anthem and return almost immediately afterward. The first two games were held at Chase Center in San Francisco earlier this month, with Game 3 taking place in Atlanta.

As of Saturday, the Dream led the series 2-1, having won Game 3 with a score of 97–71.

The absence from the anthem has attracted some criticism, including comments from former President Donald Trump, who suggested fans boycott the WNBA during an Iowa rally. VP JD Vance labeled the absences as “disgraceful.”

Atlanta coach Karl Smesko keeps mum on the matter

When asked about the team’s absence from the anthem, Coach Karl Smesko deflected, stating, “We’re just kind of focused on the Finals.” Further inquiries regarding any insights he could provide about the absence were met with a simple “No,” after which a public relations representative swiftly changed the subject.

Rhyne Howard addresses criticisms regarding Team USA

Dream guard Rhyne Howard discussed calls to exclude players from Team USA for not standing during the anthem. Critics, including Riley Gaines and former Georgia state Representative Vernon Jones, believe that behavior during the anthem should influence eligibility for international representation.

“I honestly can’t remember the last time I was on the court for the anthem since I’ve been in Atlanta,” she mentioned, qualifying that if it’s something people want to scrutinize, that’s up to them. Nonetheless, when representing the U.S., she assured, “I’m out for the national anthem every time, there’s no doubt about it.” Howard expressed her love for the country she plays for, affirming her pride.

Howard, along with her teammate Angel Reese, had represented the U.S. at the recent FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and stood for the anthem then. Notably, the Valkyries did not have representatives on that U.S. team, though their head coach served as an assistant.

When again asked about the rationale behind their absence during the anthem, both Howard and a public relations representative quickly replied with “Next question.”

Natalie Nakase explains the Valkyries’ routine

Golden State’s coach, Natalie Nakase, remarking on the decision to stay off the court during the anthem, noted, “We’re two years in. That’s been part of our pregame.” Yet, when pressed further on who made the decision for this practice, her response was, “I really don’t know.”

She added that she understood the question but reiterated it was simply part of their pregame routine. When asked about what she does during that time, Nakase stated, “I’m with my staff, so I’m focused on my plays,” before the public relations team moved onto the next journalist.

Gabby Williams distances routine from protest

OutKick also asked Valkyries forward Gabby Williams about the reasons for their absence during the anthem, specifically if it was intended as a protest. “No,” was her direct reply, adding that this routine has been standard for “like, seven years now.”

A public relations representative then interrupted, moving on to another question. Williams, who holds dual citizenship and plays for France internationally, joined Golden State after stints with other teams. Her seven-year reference encompasses her entire WNBA career, though she didn’t clarify if this practice was adopted across all her teams.

Historically, WNBA teams have abstained from the anthem as a form of demonstration. For instance, during the 2017 Finals, Los Angeles Sparks players chose to remain in the locker room in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Furthermore, Atlanta’s player messaging from August 2020 noted that the anthem does not signify freedom or justice for all Americans, vowing to persist in various forms of protest.

Despite Williams denying a protest agenda, the ambiguous details regarding who initiated this routine and why it aligns with the anthem remain unaddressed.

League rules and enforcement remain unclear

The WNBA’s official rulebook states that players, coaches, and trainers are to “stand and line up in a dignified posture” during the national anthem. Notably, the league had suspended its anthem protocols in 2017, although the guidelines still appear in the current rulebook.

OutKick has sought clarification from the WNBA regarding its requirements and if any enforcement or disciplinary actions are anticipated. The league has not responded to multiple inquiries.

The situation has prompted considerable questions, with both teams still absent from the anthem four games in, leaving many wondering about the rationale behind this ongoing practice.