WNBA Finals teams end season with one final national anthem snub as Dream, Valkyries leave court
Developed over time first seen 4 hours ago
Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries players left the court during the national anthem before all seven games of the WNBA Finals, including Saturday’s deciding match. Their repeated absence drew criticism and questions about whether it was a protest; the article reports that players and coaches described it as part of their pregame routine, while league and team offices did not respond to the publication’s enquiries.
The series was tied 3–3 after Atlanta won Game 6 by 80–69, and Saturday’s winner was set to claim its franchise’s first championship. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase said the routine had been in place for two seasons and that she used the time to focus on plays; Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said the absence was not a protest. Atlanta coach Karl Smesko declined to elaborate, while Dream guard Rhyne Howard said she stands for the anthem when playing for Team USA.
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In short
- Both finalists stayed off court for the anthem in all seven games.
- Coaches cited pregame routines, with limited explanation.
- The series reached a deciding Game 7 after Atlanta’s 80–69 win.
How this story developed
- 21 minutes ago Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries players left the court during the national anthem before all seven games of the WNBA Finals, including Saturday’s deciding match.
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The case for
Critics may argue that repeatedly leaving during the anthem, especially at a championship series, carries public meaning even if players describe it as routine. They may see standing together for the anthem as a gesture of respect for the country and those it represents, and expect teams to explain conduct that can reasonably be read as a protest.
The case against
Players and supporters may argue that athletes are not obliged to remain on court for a national ceremony, and that a pregame routine or time to prepare should not be treated as a political statement without evidence. The players’ and coach’s explanations, including that the routine predates the Finals and was not a protest, deserve weight; individual choices about when to stand need not diminish anyone else’s respect for the anthem.
Explained simply
The WNBA is the top professional women’s basketball league in the United States, and its Finals decide the season’s champion. The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries are both seeking their first championship; the Valkyries joined the league in 2025.
Players and teams have different routines before games, including where they are during the national anthem. The anthem is played at many US sporting events, and players’ choices around it can attract public attention because it is associated with expressions of patriotism and protest.
The teams’ coaches and players described leaving the court as part of their pregame routine, while one Valkyries player said it was not a protest. Their explanations and the lack of public comment from league and team offices left questions about the routine’s meaning.
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