WNBA Finals and the national anthem: The rules and why some teams stay on the court and others don't
Fans cheer as the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream face off in Game 2 of the WNBA basketball finals in San Francisco, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Credit: AP/Jessica Christian
Fans who don’t usually watch the WNBA might be asking why the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream were not on the court during the playing of the national anthem ahead of Game 1 or 2 of the league's championship series.
Their absence created somewhat of a stir on social media. However, it's been common practice for many WNBA teams over at least the past six seasons to leave the court with 10 minutes left in pregame warmups — right before "The Star-Spangled Banner” is played. Teams have left to raise awareness for social justice issues or simply to continue to get ready for the game.
The Valkyries say they have maintained the same pregame routine of going inside the locker room for the anthem as they’ve done since becoming a WNBA franchise last year; Atlanta has left the court before the anthem the past several years.
A few teams, including Indiana and Minnesota, remained on the court for the anthem during the season.
What the WNBA rulebook states
There is some confusion about the current WNBA policy regarding the anthem.
While the league rulebook states what should happen during the anthem, the protocols were suspended years ago.
According to the rulebook, “Players, coaches, and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line during the playing of the National Anthem.”
Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) moves the ball while defended by Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) during the second half of Game 2 of the WNBA basketball finals in San Francisco, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Credit: AP/Carlos Avila Gonzalez
It's unclear if the rule refers to just players who are on the court or entire teams.
Late in the 2017 season, the league suspended its protocols, saying in a memo to teams that players and coaches didn't have to follow them. The memo was sent to allow players to show support for victims in the wake of a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that occurred that summer.
Three years later in 2020, teams left the court before the anthem as the WNBA dedicated that season to Breonna Taylor, who was killed in her Louisville, Kentucky, home. That year the entire season was played in Florida because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Since 2020, many teams still leave the court before the anthem is played.
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) calls for a replay during the second half of Game 2 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Golden State Valkyries, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, in San Francisco. Credit: AP/Justine Willard
Who makes the anthem decision?
With the WNBA suspending its protocols, there seems to be a lack of clarity about who makes the final decision on whether teams remain on the court during the anthem.
The league appears to be deferring to its teams, which may be in need of more direction from the WNBA.
The WNBA did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press regarding its anthem policy.
Anthem protocols at international events
The U.S. national team always stays on the court for the playing of the anthem at the World Cup and the Olympics. One reason is because the timing is different from WNBA games.
During those international events, the anthems of both countries competing are played after the introduction of lineups before tipoff.
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AP Sports Writer Janie McCauley in San Francisco contributed to this report.
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