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WNBA Finals teams leave court before anthem
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) opened the 2026 Finals on October 17 in San Francisco. Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries players left Chase Center’s court before the anthem.
Both rosters were absent while Oakland singer Goapele performed The Star-Spangled Banner. The pregame departure drew criticism after footage appeared online, although neither team immediately offered a reason for leaving.
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Goapele performs before the Finals opener
Goapele, an Oakland singer and songwriter, sang the national anthem before the Finals opener on October 17. Golden State organized a program featuring performers with ties to the Bay Area.
Actor Rita Moreno was scheduled to lead the pregame drum ceremony, while San Francisco rapper Larry June was listed for halftime. The entertainment lineup accompanied Golden State’s first Finals appearance.
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Dream and Valkyries return within seconds
Atlanta and Golden State warmed up at Chase Center before leaving the floor ahead of the anthem. An eyewitness estimated their absence lasted about two minutes, which covered the song’s performance.
Players returned within seconds of the final note, jogging back onto the surface before tipoff. The departure happened during pregame activities, rather than during regulation play in the championship opener.
Jean_Nelson/DepositphotosWNBA anthem videos capture pregame moments
Two videos circulated after the October 17 ceremony at Chase Center in San Francisco. One recording showed Goapele’s anthem performance, while another documented the teams’ movements before the Finals opener.
The San Francisco Chronicle shared footage of the performance, while a reporter inside Chase Center posted a separate clip. The recordings allowed viewers to compare different moments from the ceremony.
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WNBA fans call for penalties after anthem
Some X users called for penalties after watching the departure footage. One commenter suggested fines for the clubs, while another urged the arena to repeat the anthem until players stayed.
Other online reactions accused the clubs of showing disrespect and criticized the WNBA. The remarks appeared on X following Saturday’s ceremony, adding separate complaints about player conduct and league oversight.
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Emily Austin criticizes WNBA leadership
Sports broadcaster Emily Austin criticized the WNBA after both teams left the court before the anthem. Her social media post argued that off-court controversies distracted from the league’s athletic talent.
She also questioned leadership within the league and said its athletes deserved better. Austin’s remarks addressed the surrounding publicity, not the official result or player performances in the Finals opener.
zimmytws/DepositphotosWNBA rules describe anthem conduct
The WNBA’s 2026 rulebook says players, coaches and trainers should stand in a dignified line along the sidelines or foul line during the national anthem.
However, AP reported on October 20 that the league had suspended its anthem protocols in 2017. The printed provision alone does not establish that the Finals teams violated an enforceable attendance requirement.
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Later reporting adds context to the departures
OutKick reported on October 19 that the WNBA and both teams had not answered its questions about the Game 1 anthem departures. The outlet said it contacted them on October 17 and followed up the next day.
Subsequent AP reporting said that Golden State described its departure as part of its usual pregame routine. AP also reported that Atlanta had been leaving the court before the anthem for several years.
galecophoto/DepositphotosAtlanta Dream included union message in 2020
The Atlanta Dream included a Women’s National Basketball Players Association statement in game notes during August 2020. That message explained the union’s concerns about national anthem ceremonies and unequal treatment.
The association said the anthem did not represent freedom and justice for every American. During July 2020, the WNBA also announced a joint social justice initiative with its players’ union.
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Angel Reese played in a 2024 anthem incident
Angel Reese played for Louisiana State University when the team missed the national anthem before facing Iowa on April 1, 2024. The NCAA contest took place in Albany, New York.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey said the team customarily left the floor 12 minutes before tipoff. She explained that the group’s absence from the ceremony was unintentional, reflecting its preparation schedule.
Fun fact: The Star-Spangled Banner uses a melody originally written for a London gentlemen’s music club in the 1770s, decades before it became America’s national anthem.
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Caitlin Clark drew anthem comments in August
Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham attracted online attention during the national anthem before Indiana faced Atlanta on August 16, 2026. Both Fever players remained on the court for the song.
Video showed Cunningham placing a hand over her heart, while Clark stood with both hands behind her back. Some viewers praised Cunningham’s gesture and criticized Clark’s posture during the ceremony.
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Valkyries take Game 1 with a 68-64 win
The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in the Finals opener Saturday. Gabby Williams scored a game-high 26 points, including 16 during the second quarter at Chase Center.
Atlanta made just two of 19 field goal attempts in the fourth quarter. Allisha Gray led the Dream with 19 points, while Angel Reese contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds.
A’ja Wilson’s record-breaking MVP season still ended in playoff disappointment. Explore how her historic year took an unexpected turn.
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WNBA Finals move to Atlanta with the series tied
Atlanta beat Golden State 79–65 in Game 2 at Chase Center on October 19, tying the best-of-7 Finals at 1–1. Angel Reese led the Dream with 30 points and 16 rebounds.
Atlanta is scheduled to host Game 3 at State Farm Arena on October 21 at 8 p.m. Eastern. Game 4 follows on October 24 at 1 p.m. Eastern. Game 3 was moved from October 22, while Game 4’s start was advanced from 3:30 p.m.
Sophie Cunningham’s reaction has added to the discussion surrounding the controversial no-call involving Angel Reese. Explore more about the play and the debate over the officials’ decision.
Should WNBA teams be required to remain on the court during the national anthem, or should players have more flexibility during pregame ceremonies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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