WNBA Players Exit Before National Anthem
Athletes from the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream left the court during the WNBA Finals.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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Players from the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream departed the court prior to the national anthem during the WNBA Finals. WNBA officials confirmed they did not issue fines or reprimands despite league rules requiring staff to stand during the performance.
Why it matters
The situation highlights a clear deviation from the official WNBA rulebook, which mandates that players, coaches, and trainers maintain a dignified posture on the sidelines during the anthem.
The WNBA Finals series is currently tied at one game apiece. The league rulebook specifically requires all personnel to stand and line up during the national anthem.
The players
Golden State Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries are a professional basketball team competing in the WNBA.
Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream is a professional women's basketball team that competes in the WNBA.
The details
Players from both teams exited the court before the national anthem began on October 17 and 19. Although league rules require participants to stand along the sidelines or foul line, officials chose not to enforce these requirements with fines or formal reprimands.
Timeline
October 17, 2026: Players left the court before the national anthem.
October 19, 2026: Players left the court before the national anthem.
October 21, 2026: The next WNBA Finals game is scheduled for 8 p.m.
Season Trajectory
This incident occurred amid a highly competitive WNBA Finals series currently tied at one game each. The administrative decision not to issue fines ensures that player availability remains unaffected for the remainder of the series.
The series is currently tied 1-1 as teams head into the third game. With no fines or suspensions issued, both rosters are expected to be at full strength for the upcoming contest.
The takeaway
League officials have signaled a choice not to police anthem conduct through standard disciplinary measures in this instance. Fans and observers should note that the series continues on October 21 with no changes to roster status.
What happens next
The next WNBA Finals game is scheduled to take place on October 21, 2026, at 8 p.m.
Further reading
For more context on the current season, visit the Basketball section.
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