Photo via Yahoo Sports

‘Line up in a dignified posture’: WNBA has official rules for national anthem

The WNBA’s official stance on the national anthem was brought into focus after the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries sparked online debate by leaving the court before the anthem during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center. Both teams exited the floor shortly before the “Star-Spangled Banner” began and returned shortly after it concluded, a move that raised questions about adherence to league protocol.

While the WNBA rulebook mandates that players, coaches, and trainers must stand in a ‘dignified posture’ during the anthem if they remain on the court, it does not explicitly require their presence on the floor. The ambiguity in the policy leaves room for interpretation, and neither team nor the league has clarified whether their actions violated the guidelines.

The incident underscores the ongoing discussions around player participation in pregame ceremonies, even as the specifics of this particular situation remain unclear.

Up nextWNBA· 2h ago

WNBA Finals Game 2 discussion: Can the Atlanta Dream prove they have what it takes to beat the Golden State Valkyries?