The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream reportedly stayed off the court during the national anthem before each of the first three WNBA Finals games, drawing questions about the teams’ pregame routine.
Golden State forward Gabby Williams addressed the issue Friday after a reporter asked whether the team’s absence was a protest. Her response prompted mixed reactions from WNBA fans.
Gabby Williams’ Response to National Anthem Question Divides WNBA Fans
OutKick’s Dan Zaksheske reported on X that he asked Williams whether the Valkyries’ absence during the national anthem was a protest.
The two-time All-Star answered, “No.”
When Zaksheske followed up by asking why the team was not on the court, Williams explained, “That’s been the routine for like, seven years now.”
According to Zaksheske, a Golden State public relations representative responded to further questioning with, “Next question.”
One user criticized the team’s absence, writing, “All athletes should be mandated to be on the court during the playing of the national anthem. This disrespect for our country is wild. Makes it hard to support the WNBA of this is the norm.”
Others questioned why the issue was being raised during the Finals.
“Gabby is funny as hell she’s like ? This is such a (expletive) question,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “Ik this was Gabby in her head when the question was asked. But genuinely why ask about the national anthem? Like she does not care, now move on.”
The exchange also drew reactions to Williams’ demeanor during the interview.
“These interviews are getting funnier and funnier dawg Gabby was done with him,” one user remarked.
Williams’ reference to a seven-year routine prompted questions about the Valkyries’ relatively short history.
Golden State is only in its second season, but Williams did not specify whether she meant the Valkyries or a broader trend in the WNBA.
“How can it have been the routine for seven years with an organization that is just wrapping up its second season? i’m telling you, most players just go with the flow but have no real answer as the why they aren’t participating when the anthem is played,” one fan questioned.
Another fan asked, “7 years? The Valks have only existed 2 years.”
The WNBA’s anthem procedures have changed over time. The WNBA’s 2026 rulebook still states that players, coaches, and trainers are to stand and line up along the sidelines or foul line during the national anthem.
However, the Associated Press reported that the league suspended its anthem protocols late in 2017, and it remains unclear how the provision currently applies or is enforced
It remains unclear whether any current policy requires players to be on the court.
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase also described the practice as part of the team’s pregame routine. “We’re two years in. That’s been part of our pregame,” Nakase said.
The issue also attracted attention outside the WNBA, with Vice President JD Vance calling the teams’ absence “disgraceful” during an interview with Raymond Arroyo.
Meanwhile, Atlanta leads the best-of-seven Finals 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Saturday at State Farm Arena. Williams has averaged a team-best 21.2 points per game this postseason as Golden State looks to level the series in the franchise’s first Finals appearance.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.