WNBA Anthem Controversy

What happened

The outlets' own sentences, most widely reported first. Hover or tap one to see who reported it.

Analysis

How it changed

1. 17 Oct

   SAN FRANCISCO – The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries both left the court before the national anthem ahead of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday at Chase Center.

   2 outlets · Fox News
2. 20 Oct

   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.

   2 outlets · Fox News
3. 24 Oct

   Trump spoke at a rally on Thursday in Iowa and criticized WNBA players for leaving the court before the national anthem is played, and called for a boycott of the league.

   2 outlets · Toronto Star

Coverage 11 articles

• 24 Oct Dream, Valkyries stay off court for fourth WNBA Finals national anthem as some fans remain seatedDuring Game 4 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta, both the Dream and the Valkyries remained off the court for the national anthem, a practice they have continued since Game 1. Some fans also chose to remain seated during the performance, keeping their hats on. The article does not specify player actions after leaving the court but cites reports suggesting players stand silently in a hallway instead. League officials and…Fox News
• 24 Oct Players in WNBA Finals tuning out President Trump, other outside noise, say their focus on the gamesPlayers in the WNBA Finals are ignoring President Donald Trump's criticism of them for leaving the court prior to the national anthem, focusing instead on preparing for their games. Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray and others echo her sentiment that they are not engaging with social media commentary or listening to outside noise; they prioritize team unity and game preparation. Trump’s comments at a rally in Iowa…Toronto Star
• 22 Oct Valkyries, Dream continue to snub anthem at WNBA Finals as Vance calls protest ‘disgraceful’During Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta, players from both the Valkyries and Dream walked back to their locker rooms before the National Anthem was played, continuing a pattern established in previous games. Vice President JD Vance criticized this action, calling it "disgraceful" and suggesting that players should show more gratitude for the opportunities they have. Fans on social media echoed similar…New York Post
• 22 Oct JD Vance condemns ‘disgraceful’ protests at WNBA Finals, says players need to show more respectVice President JD Vance criticized WNBA players for skipping the national anthem during the finals, calling their actions "disgraceful." In an interview on Fox News, Vance argued that athletes should show more respect to the country and its citizens rather than protesting policies they disagree with. He cited Catholic teachings to support his argument about the hierarchy of duties one owes to family, community, and…New York Post
• 21 Oct WNBA anthem controversy sparks calls to bar players who don't stand from Team USA's Olympic rosterRiley Gaines, in response to WNBA teams leaving the court during the national anthem before games, has argued that players who do not stand for the anthem should be barred from representing the U.S. at international competitions like the Olympics. Former Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones echoed this sentiment by calling for players from the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries to lose their eligibility to play on…Fox News
• 20 Oct OutKick readers blast WNBA players for hiding during Finals national anthemOutKick readers are criticizing WNBA players for leaving the court during the national anthem at the Finals games in San Francisco. The article notes that this behavior has occurred over two consecutive games without any official response from the league, despite a rulebook provision requiring player presence during the anthem performance. Readers express strong opinions, ranging from calls for disqualification of…Fox News
• 20 Oct Valkyries and Dream ditch National Anthem for second game in a row during WNBA FinalsDuring Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream, players from both teams left the court before the National Anthem was played, a second consecutive occurrence in this year’s Finals. While the reason for their absence remains unclear, Dan Zaksheske reported that the teams quickly returned to play after the anthem ended. This action follows previous statements from the Dream…New York Post
• 20 Oct Dream and Valkyries skip national anthem again in WNBA Finals Game 2 despite rulebook requirementDuring Game 2 of the WNBA Finals in San Francisco, both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries skipped the national anthem again, similar to their behavior during Game 1. This action contradicts the league’s rulebook which mandates players, coaches, and trainers to stand and line up respectfully. Despite OutKick’s inquiries and questions about potential disciplinary actions, neither team nor the WNBA has…Fox News
• 19 Oct Grow up, WNBA — enough with the National Anthem boycottThe article criticizes the WNBA for players and teams boycotting the playing of the National Anthem during Game 1 of the Finals, which the author sees as counterproductive to fan engagement. It mentions similar protests began in 2020 but have since subsided in other professional sports leagues. The piece also notes confrontations between fans over gender inclusivity issues and criticizes WNBA players for perceived…New York Post
• 18 Oct Valkryies, Dream head for locker room during national anthem ahead of WNBA Finals Game 1 thrillerIn the lead-up to Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Valkyries and Dream, both teams skipped the national anthem by heading to their locker rooms and returning shortly after. This move is reminiscent of previous protests by the Dream in 2020 over the anthem’s representation. The Valkyries won the game at Ballhalla, Chase Center, with a close score of 68-64, securing them a 1-0 series lead. Head coach Natalie…New York Post

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