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Players of the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream continue to protest the National Anthem during the WNBA Finals.
As Game 3 of the Finals was set to begin on Wednesday night, players from both teams were seen walking back to the locker room just before the National Anthem was about to be sung.
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) October 22, 2026Once again, the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries players hustle off the court prior to the playing of the national anthem.
Three WNBA Finals games. Zero anthem appearances. pic.twitter.com/cUQDK2cGgs
It was the third time during the series that both teams went to the locker room before the anthem played.
As fans were starting to pile into State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta, the players started heading towards the locker room, resulting in the fans erupting in cheers as they were voicing their support.
Before the game tipped off, Vice President JD Vance called out the WNBA players in an interview on “Arroyo Grande” hosted by Raymond Arroyo, and said, “I think it’s disgraceful.”
“I think that you should not express some criticism of a public policy of a given politician by disrespecting the country writ large,” Vance said. “I mean, those women who play for the WNBA, think of the public safety, think of the incredible wealth and privilege, the amazing jobs that they have.”
Vance went on to say that he thinks the WNBA players have a lot to be grateful for towards the country and if “they had a bit more of a spirit of gratitude, they’d be happier people, and they wouldn’t offend so many people as well.”
Vance’s thoughts echoed across WNBA fans on social media, as @JaJaskii wrote, “GD these players and teams don’t give a damn.”
@Publius87 wrote, “These ungrateful DEI special hate the very country that gave them handouts!”
The Valkyries, who are in their second season as a WNBA franchise, have not had a history of protesting the anthem, while the Dream do.
In 2020, Atlanta was not participating in the National Anthem due to the George Floyd protests.
The Dream released a statement that season, and it read, “the anthem does not represent freedom, justice and liberty for all Americans.”
According to the WNBA’s official rulebook, teams are required to stand and line up during the performance.