WNBA players leave court before national anthem in Finals games
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 21, 2026, 11:30 AM
Last updated Oct 21, 2026
During the first two games of the WNBA Finals, the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries exited the court just before the national anthem. This prompted criticism from conservative figures, including Riley Gaines, who suggested that players who do not respect the anthem should be excluded from representing the USA in the Olympics. The league has not provided clarification on the players' decision to leave the court at that time. Both teams returned moments after the anthem ended, a timing that does not violate league rules but raises questions about the intent behind their exit.
- •Players of both teams left before the anthem during WNBA Finals games.
- •Riley Gaines criticized the players for their actions on social media.
- •Neither the WNBA nor the teams have explained the departures.
- •Teams returned to the court immediately after the anthem concluded.
- 11:30 AMYahoo Sports — ‘You shouldn’t be able to represent the USA’: Riley Gaines not happy as WNBA players skip national anthem
"The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries have drawn plenty of criticism from conservative corners of the internet after both teams left the court before the national anthem during the first two games of the WNBA Finals. Now, one of the WNBA’s most vocal critics has weighed in. Anti-trans activist and former Kentucky swimmer Riley…
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