Valkyries skip national anthem again before WNBA Finals Game 2

The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream did not participate in the national anthem before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on October 19, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco. Players left the court during the anthem, a practice established since 2020. Right-wing media outlets criticized the teams for this ongoing routine, labeling it un-American. The WNBA has faced continued scrutiny over player anthem protests, which began in response to social justice movements. Game 3 is scheduled for October 21, 2026, in Atlanta, where this issue may again arise.

• 3:29 AMYahoo Sports — Conservative media keeps whining about Valkyries, WNBA teams skipping anthem