Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries Skip National Anthem for Third Straight WNBA Finals Game
A change of cities failed to alter the pregame routine for the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries, as both teams remained off the court during the national anthem ahead of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
The absence marked the third straight game the teams have bypassed the performance. Just as they did in Games 1 and 2, players jogged off the floor mere seconds before the music started and returned to the court moments after it concluded, leaving the sidelines completely empty while Q Parker performed the anthem on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026.
The ongoing demonstration runs contrary to the league’s official guidelines. The 2026 WNBA rulebook explicitly stipulates that players, coaches, and trainers are required to “stand and line up in a dignified posture” along the sidelines or on the foul line during the rendition of the national anthem.
Despite the clear directive in the rulebook, leadership across multiple organizations has remained silent. Inquiries directed to the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream, and the Golden State Valkyries regarding whether any disciplinary action is under consideration, whether either franchise received an exemption, or if league officials instructed teams to be present for Game 3 went unanswered. Initial outreach began following Saturday’s series opener, with follow-up queries sent Sunday and Tuesday.
The questions also extended to the NBA league office prior to Wednesday’s matchup. Communications were directed to NBA Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass to determine if the NBA holds an oversight or enforcement role concerning the WNBA rule. Additional inquiries asked whether NBA Commissioner Adam Silver or other league executives discussed the player absences with WNBA leadership or provided any operational guidance. The NBA did not respond to the requests.
Attempts to raise the issue during formal media availability also proved unsuccessful. Reporters sought to question league personnel about the anthem protocol during five pregame and postgame sessions on Saturday, four coaches’ sessions on Monday, and two coaches’ pregame sessions on Wednesday, but were not recognized during any of the 11 opportunities.
The player walkouts were mirrored in the stands by personnel working the event. Two individuals seated in a section designated for WNBA public relations staff remained seated throughout Wednesday’s performance. When approached after the song concluded and asked why they did not stand, neither person provided an explanation. Their identities and official roles remain unconfirmed.
With three games completed in the championship series, the teams continue to stay away from the floor during the pregame ceremony, while league authorities have yet to address the apparent rule violation.
