In San Francisco, the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries skipped the national anthem before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on Monday night. This repeated their absence from Game 1, although the league’s rulebook instructs players to stand and line up during the anthem.
For both games, the teams exited the court less than a minute before the anthem began, returning shortly after it ended. OutKick asked both teams about their absences but did not receive any responses as of Monday morning. The league’s rulebook specifies that players, coaches, and trainers must stand in a dignified posture along the sidelines or foul line during the anthem.
Despite inquiries to the WNBA about potential discipline or instructions for the teams to adhere to the rules, the league has not replied to these questions. Ahead of both games, the teams warmed up on the court before leaving just before the anthem started, returning as it finished. OutKick reporters tried to ask league and team officials questions during press conferences but were not acknowledged.
Notable players like Gabby Williams from the Golden State Valkyries and Angel Reese from the Atlanta Dream also remained off the floor during the anthem. The ongoing silence from the WNBA raises questions about adherence to its own policies during these high-profile games.