SAN FRANCISCO – The WNBA Finals, which extended to a decisive seventh game, saw both competing teams, the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries, remain off the court during the national anthem before each matchup. This pattern persisted through the series, culminating in Saturday night’s Game 7 at Chase Center, amid scrutiny and repeated questions regarding their pregame activities.
For the final game, the anthem was performed by San Francisco’s Glide Ensemble, a choir whose music is described on its website as being “steeped in protest and visions of a more just and loving world” and dedicated to a message of “diversity, acceptance and love.” Despite the nature of the performance, the teams adhered to their routine.
The series marked the league’s first Game 7, following Atlanta’s 80–69 victory in Game 6 on Thursday, which leveled the series at 3–3. The winner of Saturday’s contest was set to claim its franchise’s inaugural WNBA championship.
Teams Cite Pregame Routines Amid Unanswered Questions
Weeks after initial media inquiries about the teams’ consistent absence during the anthem, the WNBA, NBA, and the front offices of both teams had not provided official responses. Players and coaches, when questioned, have broadly attributed the practice to their pregame routines.
The performers and venues for the anthem changed throughout the series; for instance, Alanis Morissette sang before Game 2 at Chase Center, and 10-year-old Heiress Harris, daughter of rapper T.I., performed before Game 6 in Atlanta. Yet, the teams’ absence from the court remained constant.
During a media availability session in Atlanta on October 23, reporters had the opportunity to directly question players and coaches. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase described the practice as an established part of their pregame preparations.
“We’re two years in,” Nakase stated. “That’s been part of our pregame.”
When asked who initiated the routine and its purpose, Nakase responded, “I really don’t know.” She added, “I understand your question. I’m not trying to, you know, not answer your question. It’s just part of our pregame.”
Further questions sought clarification on what activities occurred during the approximate 90 seconds the team was off the court. Nakase explained, “I’m with my staff, so I’m focused on my plays.” Golden State’s public relations staff then directed questions to the next reporter, preventing follow-up inquiries about why these preparations necessarily coincided with the anthem rather than occurring before or after.
Valkyries forward Gabby Williams denied that Golden State’s absence was a form of protest, simply stating, “No.” When asked why the team was off the court, she replied, “That’s been the routine for like, seven years now.” A Valkyries public relations representative subsequently intervened, stating, “Next question.” It is notable that Golden State is in its second season; Williams had previously played for Chicago and Seattle, but did not elaborate on whether the same routine was followed by those teams for seven years.
Atlanta coach Karl Smesko offered less specific details when asked about his team’s practice and who made the decision. “We’re just kind of focused on the Finals,” Smesko commented, declining further comment when pressed on the anthem absences.
Dream guard Rhyne Howard was asked about public discussions concerning the exclusion of players from Team USA over their conduct during the national anthem in the WNBA season.
“I don’t think I’ve been on the floor for the national anthem for any of my tenure in Atlanta, so if that’s what people are gonna look to nitpick for then so be it,” Howard said. “But as far as competing for your team, when I go put on USA jersey I’m out for the national anthem every time, there’s no doubt about it.”
She emphasized, “Yes, I love the country that I play for and I love what we have here.” When pressed on her team’s absence from the court during the anthem with the Dream, Howard and an Atlanta public relations representative both responded, “Next question.”
Fan Perspectives and League Protocols
Spectators interviewed outside State Farm Arena before Game 6 expressed differing views on whether players should be on the court for the anthem.
Renard Hayes, father of Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes, referenced his own military service while defending the players’ choice. “This is America, by the way, and I’ve served this country, so they can choose what they want,” he stated, adding, “I don’t have an issue with it because it’s not a disrespect of the flag.”
A male Valkyries fan indicated respect for the players’ opinions and beliefs but still desired their presence on the court, saying, “I do think they should be out there.” Another Dream fan defended the practice: “They’ve been doing it for years. And that’s their choice. It is what it is.”
The WNBA’s 2026 official rulebook stipulates that players, coaches, and trainers are to “stand and line up in a dignified posture” along the sidelines or on the foul line during the national anthem. However, the Associated Press reported on October 20 that the league suspended its anthem protocols in 2017. Despite this, the provision remains in the 2026 rulebook.
Journalists have sought clarification from the WNBA regarding its current requirements and enforcement policies, including whether disciplinary actions were planned or under consideration, and if the league had issued any instructions to either team. Requests for comment to the WNBA, the Dream, and the Valkyries commenced after Game 1 on October 17, with follow-ups on October 18 and 20. The NBA league office was also contacted on October 20 concerning its involvement.
Reporters eventually had the opportunity to question players and coaches directly on October 23, after attending all 13 formal press conferences during the first three games without being called upon to ask questions. Inquiries were also made to the Atlanta team to confirm an arena employee’s account that Dream players stand in a hallway after leaving the floor before games, including during the anthem; the team did not respond. A reporter attempting to observe the Atlanta players' actions during the anthem in Game 4 was denied access to that area by arena staff, who cited credential limitations and escorted the reporter to their assigned media seat.
While one team ultimately claimed a championship Saturday night, both concluded the season having remained off the court for every national anthem performed throughout the Finals.