The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries have once again stirred up controversy during the 2026 WNBA Finals.
Game 2 of the 2026 WNBA Finals saw the Atlanta Dream level the series at 1-1 following a 79-65 win over the Golden State Valkyries.
However, the Dream’s win was overshadowed by both teams’ decision to walk out of the American national anthem in back-to-back games.
While they’re being called out by fans on social media, what does the WNBA rulebook state about their actions? Well, it’s certainly not in their favour.
Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries violated the WNBA rulebook
An excerpt from the WNBA’s official rulebook was shared by OutKick reporter Dan Zaksheske on X. It shows that both teams are in clear violation of the rules following their decision to walk out of the US national anthem in Games 1 and 2.
“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,” the rulebook states.
As a result, many fans on social media have already labelled all members of the Dream and the Valkyries as ‘Anti-American.’
One might think that’s an overreaction, but breaking the rules in back-to-back games certainly puts both teams in a bad light.
Keeping that in mind, a heavy punishment seems to be in order, but fans may have to wait until the end of the 2026 WNBA Finals to see that. After all, the league has remained tight-lipped on the controversy.
Read more: