Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries Skip WNBA Finals Anthems Despite Rulebook Requirement Both WNBA Finals teams left the court before the national anthem in Games 1 and 2, repeating a violation of the league's 2026 rulebook that mandates players stand and line up, while the league has yet to respond to inquiries. The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries omitted the national anthem in both Game 1 and Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, leaving the court moments before the anthem began and returning only after it ended. This occurred despite the league's 2026 rulebook stating that players, coaches and trainers must stand and line up in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line during the performance. In Game 1, which took place on Saturday, the teams were warming up on the floor before abruptly stepping off less than a minute before the anthem began. They re‑entered seconds after the musician finished the last note. Game 2 on Monday repeated the same pattern.Angel Reese Gabby Williams Miss AnthemKey players who stayed off the floor included Atlanta's Angel Reese and Golden State's Gabby Williams, both of whom were among the athletes present during the ceremony. Their absence paired with the league's written requirement has drawn criticism from observers. OutKick Sports, which reported on both games, asked the WNBA why its teams were not present for the national anthem and whether the league had communicated any new instructions after Game 1.The questions were raised before Game 2 and again after the anthem after the teams left the floor. The league has not issued any official response to OutKick's requests or to the broader media questioning the consistency of its policy enforcement. No statement has clarified whether the teams will be required to stand for future anthem ceremonies.The repeat absence has sparked debate about the value of the national anthem in professional sports, with some commentators noting that the WNBA's own rulebook expressly demands participation. Others argue that player and team decisions who choose to sit or stare off the floor during the anthem section may be a form of protest or personal expression. As the Finals move forward, the WNBA and the teams involved will need to clarify their intentions.WNBA Anthem Controversy ContinuesFans and media alike are watching to see whether the league will mandate a change in conduct or allow the teams to retain their pattern of non‑participation. The national anthem controversy underscores a broader national conversation about the role of patriotic ceremonies in sports and how leagues reconcile policy with player autonomy.