Atlanta – During Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena, the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court just before 10‑year‑old Harris, the daughter of rapper T.I., began singing the national anthem. This marks the sixth consecutive Finals game in which the two teams have not been on the floor for the anthem.
Fan reactions on the arena floor
OutKick reporters spoke with fans outside the arena before the game began. Opinions were split. One Dream supporter said everyone should stand for the anthem, while a Valkyries fan expressed respect for the players’ personal choices but wished they would be present.
Renard Hayes, father of Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes, defended the practice, stating, “This is America, and I’ve served this country, so they can choose what they want. I don’t have an issue with it because it’s not a disrespect of the flag.” Hayes, who lives in Florida, also criticized the early 12:30 p.m. start time, blaming the league and the Atlanta organization for the scheduling.
Team explanations
Golden State coach Natalie Nakase described the absences as part of the team’s pre‑game routine, saying, “We’re two years in. That’s been part of our pre‑game.” When asked who established the routine, Nakase said she did not know. She added that during the 90 seconds of the anthem she is “with my staff, so I’m focused on my plays.”
Valkyries forward Gabby Williams denied any protest motive, stating simply, “No,” when asked if the team was making a statement. She explained, “That’s been the routine for like, seven years now.” Dream coach Karl Smesko declined to comment on the practice, noting the team is “just kind of focused on the Finals.” Dream guard Rhyne Howard emphasized her commitment to representing the United States, saying she always stands for the anthem when wearing a USA jersey.
League policy and history
The WNBA’s 2026 rulebook still requires players, coaches and trainers to “stand and line up 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. OutKick has asked the WNBA for clarification on enforcement and whether any discipline is planned, but the league has not responded.
Context of the Finals
The game was moved from its originally scheduled 8 p.m. start to accommodate a double‑header with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. Golden State entered the game leading the best‑of‑seven series 3–2 after a 64–55 victory in Game 5, with a chance to clinch its first championship.
Fans continue to debate the practice. Some say the tradition has been in place for years and respect the players’ choice; others feel a visible presence would better honor the anthem and the country. As the series progresses, the discussion is likely to remain a point of local conversation.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
