WNBA Finals teams absent during national anthem in Game 1

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 14:57 · Archive

Both WNBA Finals teams left the court during the national anthem before Game 1 at Chase Center on Saturday.

Both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court during the national anthem at Saturday's WNBA Finals Game 1 at Chase Center in San Francisco. The teams had been warming up on the floor beforehand and disappeared for the approximately two minutes that the anthem lasted, jogging back out seconds after it concluded. Singer Goapele performed The Star-Spangled Banner.

The WNBA's 2026 rulebook requires players, coaches and trainers to stand and line up along the sidelines or foul line during the national anthem. Neither team has provided an explanation for their absence. There is no confirmed indication that the teams coordinated the action or intended it as a protest.

The WNBA has not answered questions about the teams' reasons for leaving the court or whether it will enforce the anthem rule for Game 2, which is scheduled for Monday night. Neither the Dream nor the Valkyries has clarified their plans for the anthem in the next game. OutKick reported that attempts to question league officials and the teams about the absence went unanswered on Saturday and Sunday.

How it is being reported

• Basketball stars branded ‘cowards’ after going missing for US national anthemGabby Williams’ Golden State Valkyries faced heavy criticism after both WNBA finalists left the court before the US national anthem (Picture: Getty Images) Both teams competing in this year’s WNBA Finals have come under significant fire after leaving the court before the US national anthem was…Metro · 19 Oct, 14:37
• WNBA silent after Finals teams skip national anthem despite rule requiring players to stand and line upThe Dream and Valkyries have not explained their Game 1 anthem absences to OutKick, while the WNBA remains silent on enforcement and Game 2 expectations.Fox News · 19 Oct, 12:09

In this story: Atlanta Dream · Golden State Valkyries · Chase Center · Goapele · Gabby Williams · San Francisco · WNBA

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