# Dream, Valkyries stay off court for fourth WNBA Finals national anthem as some fans remain seated

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/dream-valkyries-stay-off-court-for-fourth-wnba-finals-national-anthem-as-some-fans-remain-seated/
- Published: 2026-10-24T18:25:36+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-24T19:12:21+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Far right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/dream-valkyries-stay-off-court-fourth-wnba-finals-national-anthem-fans-remain-seated
- Topics: Basketball, Sport, World

## Key points

- Both teams stayed off court for the anthem for the fourth straight game.
- Some fans remained seated during the performance.
- Atlanta led the Finals series 2–1 before Game 4.

## Summary

The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries remained off court during the US national anthem before Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, continuing a practice seen throughout the series. Some spectators also stayed seated, as the teams’ absence drew criticism from political figures and renewed questions about what players do during the anthem.

Both teams have said staying off court is part of their pre-game routine. Atlanta coach Karl Smesko declined to explain the decision, while Golden State coach Natalie Nakase said she spends the anthem with staff focusing on plays. Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard said she is off court for the anthem during her time with the Dream but stands for it when representing the United States. Atlanta led the best-of-seven series 2–1 before Game 4.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.