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Fans erupt after both WNBA Finals teams leave the court for the anthem

During the October 17 start of the 2026 WNBA Finals, the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries rosters exited the floor at Chase Center just before the national anthem. The players remained off the court for roughly two minutes while Goapele performed the song, returning to the surface shortly after the music concluded.

The event featured a broader entertainment program organized by the Valkyries, which included a drum ceremony led by Rita Moreno and a halftime performance by Larry June. Following the circulation of footage showing the teams' absence, the incident drew significant criticism on social media, with some observers calling for league-imposed penalties.

Broadcaster Emily Austin also publicly questioned the WNBA's management regarding the situation.

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