January 1, WNBA Players Skip Anthem Again in Game 2 Despite Rulebook Requirement

Wyatt’s Take

• Two WNBA teams once again ignored the league’s own rule requiring players to stand for the national anthem during Game 2 of the Finals.
• The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court before the anthem and returned seconds after it ended, just like in Game 1.
• The WNBA has stayed silent on the repeated violation of its own rulebook, showing no accountability or respect for the American flag.

The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries were off the court for the national anthem before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on Monday night, repeating their Game 1 absences despite a provision in the league’s own rulebook calling for players to stand and line up during the performance.

Just like in Game 1, the teams left the floor less than one minute before the start of the anthem and returned mere seconds after the singer sang the final note.

The repeat absence followed questions to both teams about why they were off the court Saturday and whether they planned to be present for Monday’s anthem. Despite multiple requests to both teams, those questions had gone unanswered when a follow-up was published Monday morning.

The WNBA’s 2026 official rulebook says 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.

Questions were asked to the league about its anthem requirements, whether any discipline was planned or under consideration over Game 1, and whether it had instructed or planned to instruct either team to be on the court for Game 2. The league was also asked to confirm whether both teams would be present Monday.

The WNBA has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Before Saturday’s opener, both teams were warming up on the court before leaving just ahead of the anthem. They returned within seconds of the performance ending.

Contacts were made with the league, Dream and Valkyries that afternoon, then followed up with all three Sunday. The team inquiries also asked whether the WNBA had communicated any instructions or expectations about the anthem since Game 1.

Additionally, attendance at all five of Saturday’s pregame and postgame press conferences included a raised hand at each, but the planned anthem questions were never addressed. Both coaches’ press conferences prior to Game 2 also excluded the anthem topic.

The WNBA’s own rulebook calls for players to stand and line up for the anthem. Two games into its Finals, neither team has even been on the floor for it. And the league remains silent about the apparent violation of its own policy.

Wyatt Matters

Hard-working Americans believe standing for the national anthem is a basic sign of respect for the country that gives us freedom and opportunity. When professional athletes ignore that tradition, it sends a message that our values no longer matter.