Dream and Valkyries skip national anthem again in WNBA Finals Game 2 despite rulebook requirement
The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries were off the court during the US national anthem before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, repeating their absence at the series opener. The article says this matters because the league’s rulebook directs players, coaches and trainers to stand in a dignified posture during the anthem.
Both teams left less than a minute before the performance and returned seconds after it ended, according to the article. The WNBA rulebook cited is from 2026; the league had not responded to requests for comment about the teams’ absences or whether discipline or instructions were being considered.
- Both WNBA Finals teams missed the anthem before Games 1 and 2.
- The league rulebook calls for players and staff to stand during it.
- The WNBA had not responded to questions about the repeated absences.