In San Francisco, the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries continued their absence during the national anthem in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. This repeated their Game 1 behavior, ignoring the league’s rule that mandates players to stand during the anthem.
The teams left the court shortly before the anthem started and returned right after it ended. Despite WNBA regulations, which require players, coaches, and trainers to stand respectfully during the national anthem, the teams did not comply.
OutKick reached out to both teams for comments on their absence in Game 1 and plans for Game 2 but received no response. Additionally, inquiries to the WNBA regarding any potential discipline or instructions for the teams also went unanswered.
The WNBA’s rulebook mandates a dignified posture during the national anthem.
The league has yet to address its anthem policy or any potential enforcement of the rules. During Game 1, both teams were present on the court during warm-ups but exited before the anthem commenced, returning immediately after its conclusion.
Among the players absent during the anthem are Golden State Valkyries’ Gabby Williams and Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese. Despite attending various press conferences, OutKick was not given the opportunity to ask questions regarding the anthem issue.
The WNBA remains silent as the Finals continue without adherence to its anthem rule, raising questions about the enforcement of league policies.
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