The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries — both WNBA teams, which is why you might not have heard of them — did not alter their national anthem routine despite a change of cities, which is earning them the wrath of Americans across the country. Both teams were off the court during the anthem just prior to the start of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena.
This was the third straight absence, despite a provision now contained in the league’s rulebook that calls for all players to stand and line up during the performance of the Star-Spangled Banner. However, just like in Game 1 and 2, players for both teams jogged off the court just a few seconds prior to the start of the anthem and then returned just a few moments after it was concluded.
The WNBA 2026 official rulebook says that players, coaches, and trainers are to “stand and line up in a dignified posture” along the sidelines or on the foul line while the national anthem is being performed. The folks at OutKick questioned the league concerning potential disciplinary action that might be under consideration for the players disobeying the rule.
According to Fox News, the outlet also asked if the team had been given an exemption and whether the league would instruct the teams to be on the court for Game 3. Both teams were asked to provide an explanation as to why they were absent and whether the WNBA had communicated any instructions or expectations to them concerning the anthem.
Even the NBA league office received questions about the women’s league’s decision to run off court during the first two games and later the third. Outkick reached out to NBA Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass on Tuesday, asking if the NBA has any role in overseeing or enforcing the anthem provision.
The inquiry also asked whether NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, or anyone else at the league office, have been discussing the absences with leadership at the WNBA and whether any guidance had been offered and if players were instructed to stay for the anthem in subsequent games. The NBA, as of this writing, has not responded.
OutKick also attempted to get answers and clarification about the absences during the Finals press conferences. A reporter raised their hand at all five of the pregame and post game sessions, all four coaches’ sessions the following Monday, and both coaches’ pregame sessions on Wednesday, but out of those 11 attempts, the reporter was not called on once.
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The report went on to note that the teams weren’t the only ones not standing to honor the anthem. Two individuals who were seated in an area designated for WNBA public relations staff remained in their seats during the performance. A reporter asked them both afterward why they did not stand for the anthem. Neither answered the question. Despite a change in venue, the disrespect for the national anthem has continued.
Vice President JD Vance was asked about the players’ behavior, which he then called “disgraceful.” He then said, “I think that you should not express some criticism of a public policy of a given politician by disrespecting the country writ large. I mean, those women who play for the WNBA, think of the public safety, think of the incredible wealth and privilege, the amazing jobs that they have. They have a lot to be grateful to the United States for, and I think that if they had a bit more of a spirit of gratitude, they’d be happier people, and they wouldn’t offend so many people as well.”
Watch the two teams largely absent on the court before the anthem played in Game 1:
Featured Image: screenshot from embedded video