WNBA

HALL85

Heisman
Jul 5, 2001
30,484
11,983
113
I was actually referring to both teams that are in the finals walking off the floor during the playing of the national anthem each game (which is a violation of league rules).

They should forfeit their right to plan any national team, but no one has the “balls” to do that.
 

Halldan

All-American
Staff member
Jan 1, 2003
186,351
9,365
113
Players from the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court before the playing of the national anthem during the 2026 WNBA Finals, returning to the floor seconds after the song concluded.

Key Details
    • The Games: Happened across the opening games of the 2026 WNBA Finals.
    • The Routine: Both teams routinely stepped off the court prior to the "Star-Spangled Banner" and jogged back out immediately after it ended.
    • The Context & Policy History:
      • Leaving the floor or remaining in the locker room during the national anthem has been a common practice for many WNBA teams since the 2020 season, following leaguewide social justice demonstrations.
      • Although the WNBA rulebook historically included language stating players, coaches, and trainers should stand along the sidelines or foul lines during the anthem, the league adjusted its enforcement and approach to player expression after 2017 and 2020.
      • The repeated exits during the Finals drew public criticism from commentators, political figures, and media outlets, while players and the league largely maintained standard pregame protocol.
 
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