Valkyries Coach Comments on National Anthem Absences

ATLANTA – Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase referred to her team’s absence during the national anthem as part of their pregame routine on Friday. However, she didn’t clarify who came up with this routine or the reasons behind it.

OutKick had been attempting to find out more from players and coaches regarding these anthem absences since the first game. After attending all 13 press conferences for the initial three games without getting a chance to speak up, they finally had the opportunity during Friday’s media session before Game 4.

“What do you do during those 90 seconds that you’re off the court?” OutKick posed.

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Nakase replied, “I’m with my staff, so I’m focused on my plays. That’s what I’m doing right now.” After her response, the Golden State PR team moved on to the next reporter, which meant OutKick couldn’t follow up to ask why they needed to prepare during the anthem rather than before or after it.

Both the Valkyries and Atlanta Dream have consistently left the court during the national anthem for all three WNBA Finals games. Players typically exited moments before the anthem and returned shortly after it concluded.

Earlier in the discussion, OutKick had questioned Nakase about the decision-making process behind the team’s absence. “We’re two years in,” she noted. “That’s been part of our pregame.” Upon being asked again who made the decision and why, she said, “I really don’t know.” She added, “I understand your question. I’m not trying to, you know, evade it. It’s just part of our pregame routine.”

Gabby Williams Addresses Potential Protest

Valkyries forward Gabby Williams, who has dual citizenship in the U.S. and France and competes for France internationally, was asked if the team’s absence was a form of protest. “No,” she stated. When pressed on why they were off the court, she explained, “That’s been the routine for like, seven years now.” After that, a public relations rep quickly moved on to the next inquiry.

This season marks Golden State’s second in the league, and Williams is a recent addition, having previously played for Chicago and Seattle. Her mention of the seven-year routine likely spans her time with all teams, though she didn’t detail how it originated or if it was uniform across her stints.

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There’s a political backdrop to WNBA teams abstaining from the court during the anthem. Back in the 2017 Finals, Los Angeles Sparks players decided to remain in the locker room in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, as reported at the time.

Similarly, the Atlanta Dream had previously included players’ statements about anthem protests in their game notes from August 2020, claiming that “the anthem does not represent freedom, justice, and liberty for all Americans” and affirming that players would continue to protest through various means.

A protest can evolve into a routine, retaining its original intent. Although Williams denied any protest intentions, simply noting the duration of the practice doesn’t address why it happens. Neither she nor Nakase clarified who implemented Golden State’s routine or the rationale for players stepping off the court at that specific time.

Rhyne Howard Responds to Testy Questions

Dream guard Rhyne Howard was questioned about calls for excluding players from Team USA if they don’t stand for the national anthem during the WNBA season. This has been a topic of discussion, especially from people like Riley Gaines and former Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones, who assert that athletes’ actions during the anthem should have repercussions when aiming to represent the U.S. internationally.

Howard, who stood for the anthem while representing the U.S. in the recent FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, questioned whether the concerns were about just these three games or the whole season. Once clarified that it related to both, she stated, “I don’t think I’ve been on the floor for the national anthem during my time in Atlanta. If that’s what people are going to nitpick, so be it. But as far as competing for your team, when I wear the USA jersey, I’m there for the anthem every time, no doubt.” She added, “Yes, I love the country that I play for and appreciate what we have here.” Howard also raised eyebrows about the focus on the anthem in the context of the WNBA Finals.

When further questioned as to why she wasn’t on the court for the anthem, both Howard and an Atlanta PR rep replied, “Next question.”

Efforts to ask Howard’s teammate, Angel Reese, about the criticism were stymied as OutKick wasn’t called on during her availability.

Karl Smesko Avoids Anthem Discussion

Coach Karl Smesko was asked about the reasoning behind his team leaving the court briefly before each anthem and whose idea that was. He responded, “We’re just kind of focused on the Finals.” When asked if he wanted to comment on the anthem or the team’s actions, he firmly said, “No,” and the PR staff shifted to the next question quickly.

Ongoing Questions About WNBA Anthem Policy

The WNBA’s official rulebook for 2026 still stipulates that players, coaches, and trainers should “stand and line up in a dignified posture” during the national anthem. However, reports indicated that the league suspended its anthem protocols back in 2017. While that provision remains, OutKick has been seeking clarification from the WNBA about the current expectations and enforcement policies.

They’ve also raised questions regarding potential disciplinary actions and any exemptions, reaching out to the NBA league office without receiving responses. The absence of clarity from the WNBA, NBA, and both teams about the anthem situation continues to raise eyebrows.

It seems clear that a new pregame routine might be in order.