ATLANTA – The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries were off the court for the national anthem before Saturday’s Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena, marking their fourth straight absence in the series.
Some fans also remained seated during the performance, including spectators who kept their hats on.
The foul line stands empty during the national anthem before Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena. The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries remained off the court for the fourth straight Finals anthem. (San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
I attempted to observe what Atlanta’s players do after leaving the court, but arena staff told me my credential did not grant access to that area and escorted me back to my assigned media seat.
WNBA PLAYERS, COACHES REFUSE TO EXPLAIN NATIONAL ANTHEM ABSENCES AMID MOUNTING CRITICISM
An employee inside State Farm Arena told OutKick that Dream players stand in a hallway after leaving the court before games. OutKick asked the Dream to confirm whether players remain there during the national anthem and explain what they do during the performance. The team did not immediately respond.
Players from both teams said Friday that staying off the court during the anthem has been their practice for years.
In the first three games, both teams left shortly before the anthem and returned seconds after it ended. Games 1 and 2 were played at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17 and 19. The series moved to Atlanta for Game 3 on Oct. 21.
Atlanta entered Saturday with a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven series after winning Wednesday’s Game 3, 97–71.
The anthem absences have drawn criticism from President Donald Trump, who urged fans to stop watching the WNBA at an Oct. 22 rally in Iowa. Vice President JD Vance also called the absences “disgraceful.”
Atlanta coach Karl Smesko declined to explain the absences
Atlanta coach Karl Smesko was asked Friday why his team left the floor for the anthem and whose decision that was.
“We’re just kind of focused on the Finals,” Smesko said.
Asked whether he had any further comment about the anthem and his team’s absences on the league’s biggest stage, Smesko said, “No.”
An Atlanta public relations representative then moved to the next question.
Rhyne Howard responds to Team USA criticism
Dream guard Rhyne Howard was asked Friday about calls to exclude players from Team USA if they do not stand for the national anthem during the WNBA season.
Riley Gaines and former Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones have argued that anthem conduct should carry consequences when athletes seek to represent the United States internationally.
“I don’t think I’ve been on the floor for the national anthem for any of my tenure in Atlanta, so if that’s what people are gonna look to nitpick for then so be it,” Howard said. “But as far as competing for your team, when I go put on USA jersey I’m out for the national anthem every time, there’s no doubt about it.”
“Yes, I love the country that I play for and I love what we have here,” she added.
Angel Reese, left, and Rhyne Howard celebrate Team USA’s World Cup gold medal in September. Critics have called for WNBA players who stay off the court during the anthem to be barred from the U.S. Olympic team. (NBAE via Getty Images)
Howard and Dream teammate Angel Reese represented the United States at September’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, where both stood for the anthem. Golden State had no players on that U.S. roster, although Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase served as an assistant coach.
OutKick followed up with Howard: “Is there a reason you’re not on the court for the anthem?”
Howard and an Atlanta public relations representative both responded, “Next question.”
Natalie Nakase explains what she does during the anthem
During Friday’s media availability in Atlanta, OutKick asked Nakase whose decision it was for Golden State to stay off the court and why.
“We’re two years in,” Nakase said. “That’s been part of our pregame.”
Asked again who decided and why, she said, “I really don’t know.”
“I understand your question,” Nakase added. “I’m not trying to, you know, not answer your question. It’s just part of our pregame.”
OutKick followed up: “What do you do during those 90 seconds that you’re off the court?”
“I’m with my staff, so I’m focused on my plays,” Nakase said.
Golden State’s public relations staff then moved to the next reporter. OutKick did not get an opportunity to ask why those preparations needed to happen during the anthem rather than before or afterward.
Gabby Williams denies protest and cites a seven-year routine
OutKick also asked Valkyries forward Gabby Williams whether the anthem absences are meant as a protest.
“No,” she said.
Asked why the team was off the court, Williams responded: “That’s been the routine for like, seven years now.”
A Valkyries public relations representative then said, “Next question.”
Williams was born in Nevada, holds U.S. and French citizenship and represents France internationally. She joined Golden State this year after playing for Chicago from 2018–20 and Seattle from 2022–25.
Williams’ reference to roughly seven years would reach back to her time in Chicago and span the three WNBA teams she has played for, though she did not explain whether each followed the same routine or how it began.
There is a history of WNBA teams staying off the court as a demonstration. During the 2017 Finals, Los Angeles Sparks players voted to remain in the locker room in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, according to reporting at the time.
Atlanta also published players’ union messaging in its Aug. 2, 2020, game notes. It said “the anthem does not represent freedom, justice and liberty for all Americans” and that players would “continue to protest” in various forms.
Williams denied that the absences are a protest, but the pregame routine explanation still did not identify who established the practice or why it coincides with the anthem.
WNBA rulebook and current enforcement remain separate questions
The WNBA’s 2026 official rulebook says players, coaches and trainers are to “stand and line up in a dignified posture” along the sidelines or on the foul line during the national anthem.
The Associated Press reported Oct. 20 that the league suspended its anthem protocols in 2017. The provision remains in the 2026 rulebook.
OutKick has asked the WNBA to clarify its current requirements and enforcement, whether discipline is planned or under consideration, and whether teams have received instructions about being on the court.
The league has not answered multiple requests for comment.
Friday’s interviews were OutKick’s first opportunity to put the anthem questions directly to players and coaches. OutKick had attended all 13 formal press conferences during the first three Finals games without being called on.
Crystal Renee Hayslett performs the national anthem before Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena. The Dream and Valkyries were off the court for the fourth straight Finals anthem. (Getty Images)
The emailed inquiries began after Game 1 on Oct. 17. OutKick followed up with the WNBA, Dream and Valkyries on Oct. 18 and again Oct. 20, asking about the absences, the teams’ plans for subsequent games and any league instructions.
OutKick also contacted NBA Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass on Oct. 20.
The inquiry asked about the NBA’s role in enforcing the WNBA provision, whether Commissioner Adam Silver or other NBA officials had discussed the absences with WNBA leadership, and possible exemptions or discipline.
The WNBA, NBA and both teams’ front offices have not responded to OutKick’s repeated emailed requests for comment about the anthem absences. Friday’s responses came from players and coaches during media availabilities.
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Four games, two arenas and a week of questions later, both teams are still leaving the floor for the anthem.
And no one has given a good answer as to why.
