WNBA Finals teams end season with one final national anthem snub as Dream, Valkyries leave court

Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries Stay Off‑Court for Every National Anthem in WNBA Finals

The 2026 WNBA Finals, which ran from October 17 to 29, featured a recurring moment that sparked debate among fans and media: both the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries left the floor before the national anthem at every game, including the decisive Game 7 at San Francisco’s Chase Center. The teams’ practice has prompted questions from reporters, but the league, the teams’ front offices, and the coaches have yet to issue a clear explanation.

The Finals were a tightly contested series. After Atlanta’s 80‑69 win on Thursday, the series stood at 3‑3, setting the stage for a Game 7 that would decide the first WNBA championship in either franchise’s history. The national anthem for that game was performed by the Glide Ensemble, a San Francisco choir described on its website as “steeped in protest and visions of a more just and loving world.” Despite the choir’s message of diversity and acceptance, the players did not return to the court for the anthem.

“We’re two years in,” said Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase in an interview on October 23. “That’s been part of our pregame.” When asked who started the routine, she replied, “I really don’t know.” She added, “I’m with my staff, so I’m focused on my plays.” When pressed to explain why the practice is carried out during the anthem rather than before or after, Nakase again declined to answer, telling reporters the practice had simply “been part of our pregame” for two seasons.

The Valkyries’ forward Gabby Williams was also asked about the off‑court routine. She denied that the team was using the absence as a protest. “No,” she said. “That’s been the routine for like, seven years now.” A Valkyries public‑relations representative declined to provide further details.

Atlanta coach Karl Smesko offered a brief response when questioned about the team’s decision. “We’re just kind of focused on the Finals,” he said. When asked if he had any additional comments about the anthem and the team’s absence, he replied, “No.”

Dream guard Rhyne Howard was asked about the national‑anthem controversy that had appeared during the season, particularly after calls to exclude players from Team USA. She said she had never stood for the anthem while playing for the Dream. “I don’t think I’ve been on the floor for the national anthem for any of my tenure in Atlanta, so if that’s what people are gonna look to nitpick for then so be it,” she said. When the question was raised about whether she was present during the anthem in the Finals, she and the Dream’s public‑relations rep both answered, “Next question.” Howard later clarified that she does stand for the anthem when wearing a USA jersey: “When I go put on USA jersey I’m out for the national anthem every time, there’s no doubt about it.” She added, “Yes, I love the country that I play for and I love what we have here.”

Fan reactions have been divided. Renard Hayes, the father of Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes, said, “This is America, by the way, and I’ve served this country, so they can choose what they want.” He added, “I don’t have an issue with it because it’s not a disrespect of the flag.” A male fan of the Valkyries expressed a different view: “I do think they should be out there.” Another Dream supporter defended the practice: “They’ve been doing it for years. And that’s their choice. It is what it is.”

The league’s official rulebook, updated in May 2026, still requires players, coaches, and trainers to “stand and line up in a dignified posture” on the sidelines or on the foul line during the national anthem. The WNBA suspended its anthem protocols in 2017, but the provision remained in the 2026 rulebook. The Associated Press reported on October 20 that the league had not yet issued new guidelines regarding the anthem for the current season.

Inquiries made by the sports outlet OutKick to the WNBA, both teams’ front offices, and the NBA on October 20 and October 23 have not produced an official statement about the teams’ pre‑game routine or the league’s expectations. The Dream and Valkyries have not clarified whether the practice began with the teams’ management or was instituted by the coaching staff. No disciplinary action or enforcement of the 2017 protocol has been announced.

The championship remains undecided as Game 7 was played with the teams again leaving the floor for the anthem. Regardless of the outcome, the series has highlighted an ongoing tension between team traditions and the national anthem’s symbolic role at major sporting events. The league’s silence on the matter leaves fans and observers to interpret the teams’ actions in the absence of an official explanation.