WNBA Finals: Dream and Valkyries Leave Court for Anthem Again

Ten. That is the age of the singer who performed the national anthem before Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena on Thursday. She is the daughter of rapper T.I. Despite her presence, the players from the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries were not on the court during the performance. This marked the sixth consecutive game in the series where both teams left the floor before the anthem began.

The absences have become a defining feature of the 2026 Finals. The Golden State Valkyries entered Thursday's game leading the best-of-seven series 3-2 after a 64-55 victory in Monday's Game 5. They had a chance to secure their first championship. The game started at 12:30 p.m., a time moved from its original 8 p.m. slot to accommodate a doubleheader with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks.

Opinions among fans outside the arena were split. Some argued that players should stand on the floor out of respect. Others defended the teams' right to make their own decisions. Renard Hayes, the father of Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes, defended the practice. He said he had served in the country and believed the players could choose what they wanted to do.

"I don't have an issue with it because it's not a disrespect of the flag," Hayes told OutKick. He noted that he lives in Florida and had criticized the early start time, but he supported the players' freedom regarding the anthem.

Other fans expressed different views. One Valkyries fan said he respected the players' beliefs but believed they should be present. Another Dream fan noted that the teams had been doing this for years. A representative for Valkyries center Kiah Stokes said it was the players' decision. One male Dream fan admitted he was maybe a little bothered by the absences but added that it did not concern him much.

Coaches described the absences as part of a pregame routine. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase said the teams are two years into this practice. "That's been part of our pregame," she said. When asked who established the routine, Nakase said she did not know. She explained that she focuses on plays with her staff during the 90 seconds the team is off the court.

Valkyries forward Gabby Williams denied that the absence was a protest. She said the routine has been in place for about seven years. Atlanta coach Karl Smesko declined to explain his team's absences, saying the focus was on the Finals. Dream guard Rhyne Howard said she had not been on the court for the anthem during her time in Atlanta. She emphasized that she always stands for the anthem when playing for Team USA.

The WNBA's 2026 official rulebook states that players, coaches, and trainers are to stand in a dignified posture along the sidelines or foul line during the anthem. The league suspended its anthem protocols in 2017, but the provision remains in the current rulebook. The WNBA, the NBA, and both team front offices have not responded to requests for comment about the absences or enforcement of the rule.