What a Sad Organization,' 'Good Job' - WNBA Fans Clash As Valkyries, Dream's National Anthem Controversy Continues to Loom Over Finals

Criticism over national anthem behavior has spilled into the WNBA Finals as the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries have repeatedly left the court moments before the anthem and returned seconds after. The pattern, reported to have continued before Game 4 in Atlanta, prompted debate online and drew attention even from U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged fans during a rally in Iowa to stop watching the league. The teams did the same in Games 1 and 2 at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17 and 19, and in Game 3 in Atlanta on Wednesday. The WNBA’s 2026 rulebook still requires standing along the sidelines or foul line, though the Associated Press reported the league suspended anthem protocols in 2017. As of Saturday, the league had not responded to requests for comment.