The WNBA is facing another national anthem controversy after players from both teams competing in the league’s championship series once again walked off the basketball court before the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The incident unfolded Monday night during Game 5 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, when the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream left the playing surface shortly before the national anthem began.
The players returned after the anthem concluded, continuing a practice that has become a recurring point of disagreement throughout the championship series.
But what makes this controversy particularly significant is that the WNBA reportedly has a rule requiring players to stand respectfully on the court during the national anthem.
According to OutKick, the league has not enforced that requirement since 2017, raising questions about why the rule remains in place if players are not expected to follow it.
For Americans who view the national anthem as an important tribute to the country’s flag, military veterans, and fallen service members, the situation has reopened a familiar debate about patriotism in professional sports.
WNBA Fans Divided Over National Anthem Controversy
The disagreement was evident among spectators attending Monday’s championship game at San Francisco’s Chase Center.
Some fans defended the players’ decision, arguing that athletes should have the freedom to choose whether to participate in pregame patriotic ceremonies.
Others expressed disappointment that the teams were not standing on the court while the anthem played.
One couple interviewed by OutKick said they were both retired military personnel who personally stand and place their hands over their hearts during the national anthem.
Although the couple emphasized their respect for the American flag, they also acknowledged that players have their own reasons for leaving the court.
Another spectator expressed a desire to see the athletes participate in the ceremony, pointing to the sacrifices made by Americans who served and died defending the country’s freedoms.
The differing reactions demonstrate why the issue continues to generate strong opinions.
WNBA Rules Raise Questions
Beyond the broader disagreement over patriotism, the controversy has brought renewed attention to the league’s official policies.
OutKick reported that the WNBA rulebook contains a provision instructing players to stand respectfully on the court during the national anthem.
However, that requirement has reportedly gone unenforced for nearly a decade.
The situation raises a straightforward question: If the WNBA maintains a national anthem rule, should the league enforce it or formally change the policy?
The controversy also reflects a larger discussion about the relationship between professional sports and longstanding American traditions.
For some spectators, standing during the national anthem represents a simple demonstration of national unity and appreciation for the freedoms Americans enjoy.
For others, allowing athletes to make their own decisions is itself an expression of those freedoms.
Championship Series Continues Amid Controversy
While the anthem disagreement has generated attention, the WNBA Finals are approaching a potentially decisive conclusion.
Golden State defeated Atlanta 64-55 on Monday, October 26, taking a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.
The Valkyries received balanced offensive contributions from several players, while Atlanta struggled to generate enough scoring to overcome Golden State’s defense.
Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, in Atlanta.
However, the contest will begin at an unusual time: 12:30 p.m. Eastern, or 9:30 a.m. Pacific.
The early start was arranged because of scheduling conflicts at State Farm Arena, which also hosts the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.
Despite the inconvenient schedule, Golden State supporters have expressed enthusiasm about watching their team compete for the championship.
National Anthem Debate Remains Unresolved
The latest incident has once again placed the WNBA at the center of a discussion extending far beyond basketball.
National anthem ceremonies have long served as a familiar tradition at American sporting events, offering spectators an opportunity to recognize the flag and reflect on the nation’s history.
Yet the WNBA’s current practices have created disagreement over how those traditions should be observed.
The league’s decision not to enforce its existing requirement leaves an unresolved question about what players are officially expected to do during the anthem.
Ultimately, the controversy is about more than a few minutes before a basketball game. It concerns the place of national traditions in professional sports and whether existing league rules should still carry meaning.
As the Finals continue, the WNBA’s handling of its national anthem policy will remain an issue worth watching.