WNBA anthem controversy sparks calls to bar players who don’t stand from Team USA’s Olympic roster

Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries players were off court for the US national anthem before the first two WNBA Finals games, prompting calls for consequences when athletes represent the country internationally. Riley Gaines argued that players who avoid the anthem should be questioned as candidates for Team USA, while former Georgia state representative Vernon Jones called for them to be made ineligible for Olympic basketball.

Neither team, the WNBA nor the NBA had responded to questions about the absences. Atlanta players Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard were named to Team USA’s 2026 Women’s World Cup roster and both stood for the anthem while representing the US at September’s tournament. The Valkyries had no players on that roster; head coach Natalie Nakase was a US assistant coach, while star Gabby Williams represents France. Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele also criticised the league over the anthem absences.