WNBA Finals teams skip anthem in Game 2

The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court during the national anthem performance for the second consecutive game of the WNBA Finals in San Francisco. The teams departed before Canadian-born singer Alanis Morissette began her rendition and returned to the floor immediately after she finished. The WNBA rulebook requires players to attend the performance, stand, and line up on the court.

Despite the repeated absence of both teams, the league has not issued a public statement or announced any disciplinary measures. The incident occurred on Monday night during the second game of the Finals series. The players' actions directly contravene the specific provisions in the league's rulebook regarding anthem attendance.

Readers of OutKick Sports responded to a call for reactions regarding the teams' continued non-compliance. The comments section reflected strong dissatisfaction with the league's lack of enforcement. Several readers called for severe penalties, including disqualification of both teams and indefinite suspensions for all players. One reader suggested that no champion be recognized for the season if the rules are not enforced.

Critics argued that the league prioritizes political activism over basketball governance. One female coach stated that the WNBA has failed to hold athletes to a standard of team discipline, describing the organization as a "soap opera" that distracts from athletic performance. Another reader labeled the league a "political activist organization" that selectively enforces rules based on preference rather than consistency.

Some comments urged the WNBA to remove itself from U.S. arenas or sell the league to international markets. Others suggested that international players should face deportation for disrespecting the American flag, while other readers called for fines and strict adherence to existing regulations. The general sentiment among respondents was that the league's inaction undermines respect for the nation and its institutions. One reader specifically criticized management for failing to control its players or set an example.

The debate centered on whether the league's silence constitutes a failure of leadership. Respondents felt that allowing players to break established rules without consequence sends a negative message to young athletes pursuing professional sports. The comments emphasized that athletic performance should remain secondary to nothing, yet current events suggest otherwise in the view of many fans.