Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries skip national anthem for third straight WNBA Finals game
Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries skipped the national anthem for a third straight WNBA Finals game despite the league's own rulebook mandate.
TL;DR
- Both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries players were off the court during the national anthem for Game 3 of the WNBA Finals.
- This marks the third consecutive game in the Finals where players from both teams were absent during the anthem.
- The WNBA's 2026 rulebook states players, coaches, and trainers are to "stand and line up in a dignified posture" during the anthem.
- The WNBA, teams, and NBA have not provided answers to questions about the absences.
- Two individuals in areas designated for WNBA public relations staff also remained seated during the anthem.
- Questions about the anthem absences were posed to the WNBA, teams, and the NBA league office, with no responses received.
- Attempts to ask about the anthem during press conferences were unsuccessful as the questioner was not called upon.