Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries skip national anthem for third straight WNBA Finals game

The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries were off the court during the US national anthem before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, continuing a pattern from the first two games. Their repeated absence has drawn attention because the league’s rulebook says players, coaches and trainers should stand and line up during the anthem.

The 2026 WNBA rulebook specifies that people on the teams should stand in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line. The article says the teams left shortly before the anthem and returned just after it ended; the WNBA, both teams and NBA had not responded to questions about exemptions, discipline or guidance. It also reports that two people in an area designated for WNBA public relations staff remained seated.