Players from the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream bypassed the national anthem for the second consecutive contest during the WNBA Finals on Monday, heading to the locker room just minutes before pop singer Alanis Morissette performed the song, according to the New York Post.
According to reporting by Dan Zaksheske of Outkick, both squads left the hardwood moments before the performance began and returned to the court within seconds of its conclusion. The repeat departure mirrors a similar scene from Game 1 at Chase Center, where the league and both franchises declined to address why players exited before the ceremony. WNBA official rulebooks require players to stand and line up during the performance, drawing intense public scrutiny toward the ongoing absences.
Historical Context and Prior Statements
While the exact motivation for the current series protocol remains unconfirmed, the Atlanta organization previously issued a public statement during the 2020 season declaring that the anthem does not represent freedom, justice, and liberty for all Americans. Neither franchise has provided an updated statement addressing the consecutive Game 1 and Game 2 departures, leaving fans and observers to debate the meaning behind the coordinated exits.
Public reaction across social media has been sharply divided, with commentators criticizing the league’s enforcement of its rulebook while supporters point to long-standing athlete advocacy. As the controversy persists off the court, the athletic competition continues on the floor.
Series Dynamics on the Court
Amidst the pre-game protocol discussions, the Valkyries are pursuing their first WNBA title in only their second year as a franchise. Golden State secured a 68-64 victory in the series opener after outscoring their opponents by 17 points in the fourth quarter. Valkyries star Gabby Williams led the effort with a standout 26-point performance, adding four rebounds and two assists to establish early momentum in the championship series. As the series progresses, attention remains fixed on whether both teams will continue bypassing the pre-game ceremony and how league officials will respond to the continued rulebook departures.