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Just minutes before pop singer Alanis Morrisette sang the National Anthem for Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, players of the Valkyries and Dream were seen going to the locker room.
Monday’s decision to leave before the National Anthem was played was the second time during the Finals that the two teams opted out.
Dan Zaksheske, who is a reporter for Outkick/Fox News, reported that the two teams immediately returned to the court, just seconds after it was finished being played.
Same league. Same disrespect.
The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries skip the anthem AGAIN before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, then stroll back out when it’s over. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/fWHzYGFyjt
— OutKick (@Outkick) October 20, 2026
The reason why the two teams are not staying for the national anthem continues to be unknown, but this isn’t the first time the Atlanta organization has protested it, as the team issued a statement in 2020 saying, “the anthem does not represent freedom, justice and liberty for all Americans.”
According to the WNBA’s official rulebook, players are required to stand and line up during the performance.
Since the two teams have not been participating in the event, they have both been heavily scrutinized for it.
@Madeintaylor responded to Outkick’s post of the teams leaving during the song and said, “Why do people watch this awful garbage!”
Another WNBA fan, @Jeni41671 commented, “The @WNBA and the players and staff on @GSValkyriesHub and @AtlantaDream. Hate the US Military – only logical reason why they can’t stand respectfully giving thanks for the best country in the world thanks to their dedication and sacrifice for all of us.”
As the reason why the players continue to ditch the anthem remains a mystery and will develop, the Valkyries are looking to get their first WNBA title in their second year as a franchise.
Golden State took Game 1 of the series when they scored 17 points in the fourth quarter, helping them secure a 68-64 victory.
Valkyries star Gabby Williams shined when the lights were brightest with a 26-point performance, where she had four rebounds and two assists.
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