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WNBA players, coaches refuse to explain national anthem absences amid mounting criticism
Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase called her team’s national anthem absences part of its pregame routine Friday, but did not explain who established that routine or why.
OutKick had been trying to ask players and coaches about the anthem absences since Game 1. But after attending all 13 formal press conferences during the first three games without being called on, OutKick had to wait until Friday’s media availability ahead of Game 4 to ask those questions directly.
"What do you do during those 90 seconds that you’re off the court?" OutKick asked.
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"I’m with my staff, so I’m focused on my plays. That’s what I’m doing right now," Nakase responded.
Golden State’s public relations staff then moved to the next reporter. OutKick did not get an opportunity to ask why those preparations needed to happen during the anthem, rather than before or afterward.
The Valkyries and Atlanta Dream have been off the court during the national anthem before all three WNBA Finals games. In each game, players left shortly before the performance and returned seconds after it ended.
Earlier in the exchange, OutKick had asked Nakase whose decision it was for the team to be absent and why it followed that routine.
"We’re two years in," Nakase said. "That’s been part of our pregame."
Asked again who decided and why, Nakase said, "I really don’t know."
"I understand your question," she added. "I’m not trying to, you know, not answer your question. It’s just part of our pregame."
Gabby Williams denies protest, cites longstanding routine
Valkyries forward Gabby Williams was born in Nevada, holds U.S. and French citizenship and represents France in international competition.
OutKick asked whether Golden State’s absence during the national anthem was a protest.
"No," Williams said.
Asked why the team was off the court during the U.S. national anthem, she responded: "That’s been the routine for like, seven years now."
A Valkyries public relations representative then said, "Next question."
Golden State is in its second season, and Williams joined the franchise this year. She played for Chicago from 2018–20 and Seattle from 2022–25, making the Valkyries the third WNBA team she has played for. Her seven-year reference would span her time with all three franchises, though she did not explain how the routine began or whether it was the same at each stop.
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There is a political history behind WNBA teams staying off the court during the anthem. During the 2017 Finals, Los Angeles Sparks players voted to remain in the locker room as a show of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, according to ESPN’s reporting at the time.
Atlanta also published players’ union messaging about anthem protests in its Aug. 2, 2020, game notes. The statement said "the anthem does not represent freedom, justice and liberty for all Americans" and that players would "continue to protest" in various forms.
A protest can become a routine without ceasing to be a protest. Williams denied that Golden State’s absences are a demonstration, but saying the practice has lasted for years does not explain its purpose. Neither Williams nor Nakase explained who established Golden State’s routine or why it puts players off the court specifically during the anthem.
Rhyne Howard responds to Team USA criticism
Dream guard Rhyne Howard was asked about calls to exclude players from Team USA if they do not stand for the national anthem during the WNBA season.
Riley Gaines and former Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones have argued that athletes’ conduct during the anthem should carry consequences when they seek to represent the United States internationally.
Howard represented the United States at September’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, where she stood for the national anthem.
"I mean, are we just talking about these three games or are we talking about the full season?" Howard asked.
OutKick clarified that the question concerned both.
"I don’t think I’ve been on the floor for the national anthem for any of my tenure in Atlanta, so if that’s what people are gonna look to nitpick for then so be it," Howard said.
"But as far as competing for your team, when I go put on USA jersey I’m out for the national anthem every time, there’s no doubt about it."
"Yes, I love the country that I play for and I love what we have here," she added.
Howard also questioned the focus on the anthem during the WNBA Finals.
OutKick followed up: "Is there a reason you’re not on the court for the anthem?"
Howard and an Atlanta public relations representative both responded, "Next question."
OutKick also sought to ask Angel Reese, Howard’s Dream and Team USA teammate, about the criticism.
Most players and coaches were available throughout the 30-minute media window. Reese and Atlanta coach Karl Smesko were each required to be available for only 15 minutes.
Reporters could jump in with questions during the other interviews Friday, but Atlanta public relations staff selected the questioners during Reese’s availability. OutKick was not called on and did not get an opportunity to ask her.
Karl Smesko declines further comment on anthem
Smesko was asked why his team had left the court shortly before each Finals anthem and returned shortly afterward, and whose decision that was.
"We’re just kind of focused on the Finals," Smesko said.
OutKick followed up by asking whether he had any comment on the anthem and his team’s absences on the league’s biggest stage.
"No," Smesko said.
An Atlanta public relations representative then moved the session to the next question.
WNBA rulebook provision remains, but policy questions persist
The WNBA’s 2026 official rulebook says players, coaches and trainers are to "stand and line up in a dignified posture" along the sidelines or on the foul line during the national anthem.
The Associated Press reported Tuesday that the league suspended its anthem protocols in 2017. The provision remains in the 2026 rulebook, and OutKick has asked the WNBA to clarify its current requirements and enforcement.
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OutKick has also asked about possible discipline and exemptions, and sought comment from the NBA league office.
The WNBA, NBA and both teams’ front offices have not responded to OutKick’s emailed requests for comment about the anthem absences. Friday’s responses came from players and coaches during media availabilities.
The coaches and players have described a pregame routine that includes jogging off the court just prior to the national anthem and returning seconds after it ends.
It's time for a new pregame routine.
