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.

ATLANTA DREAM, GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES SKIP NATIONAL ANTHEM FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WNBA FINALS GAME

"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.

VANCE CONDEMNS 'DISGRACEFUL' WNBA NATIONAL ANTHEM WALKOUTS, SAYS PLAYERS SHOULD SHOW MORE GRATITUDE

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.

OUTKICK IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE FOX NEWS APP: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

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.

ATLANTA – Angel Reese helped the Atlanta Dream win a WNBA Finals game for the first time Monday. Two nights later, she helped them take their first lead in a Finals series.

ATLANTA DREAM, GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES SKIP NATIONAL ANTHEM FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WNBA FINALS GAME

Reese finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds as Atlanta beat the Golden State Valkyries 97-71 on Wednesday night at State Farm Arena, taking a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Reese has totaled 51 points and 28 rebounds in Atlanta’s two victories.

Reese became the youngest player in WNBA Finals history to record at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive games, joining A’ja Wilson as the only players to accomplish the feat.

And to give the Dream and their fans credit, I previously questioned whether Atlanta could fill State Farm Arena for the Finals. They answered that with a resounding yes on Wednesday night. Game 3 was a sellout, and the building was loud.

Before tip-off, both teams again left the court for the national anthem, marking their third straight absence in the series. They returned moments after the performance ended. The WNBA’s rulebook calls for players, coaches and trainers to stand and line up during the anthem, and the league has not answered OutKick’s questions about the absences.

Once the game started, Reese picked up where she left off in San Francisco. She scored Atlanta’s first basket and finished the opening quarter with eight points, including a three-pointer that pushed the Dream’s lead to 22–12.

Golden State missed its first eight shots and didn’t make a field goal until 4:38 remained in the first quarter. Atlanta led 23–15 after one.

WNBA ANTHEM CONTROVERSY SPARKS CALLS TO BAR PLAYERS WHO DON'T STAND FROM TEAM USA OLYMPIC ROSTER

Reese added another three in the second quarter and went into halftime with 15 points, matching her first-half total from Game 2. Naz Hillmon made three first-half threes of her own, helping Atlanta take a 46–40 lead into the break.

The Valkyries made a push to start the third. Cecilia Zandalasini hit two threes in the opening 68 seconds, and Golden State tied the game at 48, then again at 49.

THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!

Reese helped Atlanta answer. After Rhyne Howard put the Dream back in front, Reese made two free throws, assisted on an Isobel Borlase layup and scored on a running layup herself. That completed an 8–0 run and gave Atlanta a 57–49 lead.

Golden State cut the deficit to four, but the Dream kept scoring after Reese went to the bench with 3:31 left in the quarter. DeWanna Bonner hit a three to start a 12–2 finish to the period, scoring five points during that stretch.

ANGEL REESE DOMINATES GAME 2 AS ATLANTA DREAM EVEN WNBA FINALS WITH GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES

Atlanta led 71–57 entering the fourth and Golden State never really threatened in the final period.

Hillmon finished with 15 points, while Jordin Canada added 8 assists. Rhyne Howard had her best offensive performance of the series, scoring 16 points.

Atlanta again held down Golden State’s Gabby Williams, who finished with 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting.

Atlanta entered these Finals without a win in its three previous appearances, then lost Saturday’s opener. Now Reese and the Dream are two victories from a championship.

Game 4 is Saturday at State Farm Arena.

ATLANTA – A change of cities did not bring a change in the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries’ national anthem routine.

Both teams were off the court during the anthem before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday night at State Farm Arena, marking their third straight absence despite a provision in the league’s own rulebook calling for players to stand and line up during the performance.

Just like in Games 1 and 2, players jogged off the court just seconds before the start of the anthem and returned mere moments after it concluded.

DREAM, VALKYRIES SKIP NATIONAL ANTHEM IN WNBA FINALS GAME 2 DESPITE RULEBOOK REQUIREMENT

The WNBA, both teams and the NBA still have not answered OutKick’s questions about the absences.

WNBA rulebook calls for players to stand and line up

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.

OutKick asked the WNBA whether any discipline was planned or under consideration following the anthem absences, whether either team had received an exemption and whether the league would instruct the teams to be on the court for Game 3.

Both teams were asked to explain their absences and whether the league had communicated any instructions or expectations about the anthem.

OutKick first contacted the WNBA, Dream and Valkyries after Saturday’s opener, followed up Sunday and contacted all three again Tuesday.

NBA also received questions before Game 3

The questions extended to the NBA league office before the series moved to Atlanta.

OutKick contacted NBA Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass on Tuesday, asking whether the NBA has any role in overseeing or enforcing the WNBA’s anthem provision.

NBA STAYS SILENT ON WNBA FINALS TEAMS SKIPPING NATIONAL ANTHEM IN GAMES 1 AND 2

The inquiry also asked whether NBA Commissioner Adam Silver or anyone at the NBA league office had discussed the absences with WNBA leadership, whether any guidance had been provided and whether the teams would be instructed to be present for Wednesday’s anthem.

The NBA did not respond.

OutKick also sought to ask about the anthem during the Finals press conferences. I raised my hand at all five of Saturday’s pregame and postgame sessions, all four coaches’ sessions Monday and both coaches’ pregame sessions Wednesday, but was not called on in any of the 11.

VANCE CONDEMNS 'DISGRACEFUL' WNBA NATIONAL ANTHEM WALKOUTS, SAYS PLAYERS SHOULD SHOW MORE GRATITUDE

The teams weren’t the only ones who didn’t stand for Wednesday’s anthem.

Two people seated in an area designated for WNBA public relations staff remained in their seats during the performance. Afterward, I asked both why they hadn’t stood. Neither provided an explanation.

OutKick could not immediately confirm their identities and is working to determine their names and roles.

The venue changed, but the anthem absences continued.

THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!

Three games into the Finals, the WNBA’s own rulebook calls for a lineup, its teams remain off the floor and the league still has not explained the apparent violation.

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was seen leaving State Farm Arena on Wednesday after a heated and lengthy confrontation with police at the security entrance over his seating arrangement for Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. 

Prior to the game, Freedom was directed to watch Wednesday night’s WNBA Finals game from a private luxury suite with additional security after contacting authorities and basketball officials about concerns for his safety. Freedom was seen saying "I guess they'll have to drag me," in a video of a phone conversation with arena security, defying the directive.

When he arrived at the arena, he was told that if he were let in, he was told by a security officer he would have to go to the suite that was designated for him, to which Freedom aggressively protested, as seen in footage posted by Benny Johnson.

Freedom repeatedly demanded access to the seats he said he had purchased, rejecting the suite arrangement. "I purchased thousands of dollars of tickets, right? And I would like to sit on my seat. That’s all I want," he said.

An official cited both Freedom’s previously expressed safety concerns and his ejection from an earlier WNBA game as reasons for the arrangement. "For one, you expressed you were concerned about your security. You showed up here, right, with security," the official said. "So we’re saying we’re gonna make this a safe environment for you."

The exchange grew more contentious when an official referenced Freedom’s social media post about a player. Freedom defended the post as free speech. When told he was targeting people, he repeatedly demanded to know whom the official meant.

"Give me a name. Give me exactly a name," he said.

Freedom was also told he would receive a refund, but continued to reject the arrangement. 

"I don’t want a refund. I would like to sit on my seat and enjoy the game," he said. 

He accused those handling the encounter of bullying him and compared the proposed suite restriction to being placed in a cage.

Officers ultimately told Freedom he had to leave the property, explaining that he could go onto public streets. He eventually departed, saying, "Well, I guess you got to escort me," before walking away.

Afterward, Freedom accused the organizations involved of excluding him because of his advocacy. 

"They kicked me out of the game for supporting women," he said in a conversation with Johnson. "Shame on the NBA and shame on the WNBA." 

He also denied having security concerns, despite his earlier statements about threats and the explanation given during the encounter. 

Asked whether he felt discriminated against, Freedom responded, "Of course, this is discrimination."

The arrangement for Game 3 between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena follows Freedom’s public claims that he received death threats over his planned attendance. He previously told OutKick he was in contact with the FBI and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's office about the threats.

State Farm Arena provided a statement to OutKick outlining the security arrangements. Freedom contacted federal, state and local authorities, along with the WNBA, the Dream and arena officials.

WNBA MOVES FINALS GAMES 3 AND 4 TO STATE FARM ARENA, GIVING ATLANTA DREAM THOUSANDS MORE SEATS

"Enes Kanter Freedom has contacted federal, state and local authorities, the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena officials to express concerns about his personal safety during his planned attendance at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals tonight. The safety and security of our guests and team members is our highest priority," the statement read."

"Following consultations with the WNBA, Dream ownership, State Farm Arena leadership and security officials, we have directed Mr. Freedom to watch tonight’s game from a private luxury suite. This arrangement is intended to address his security concerns and help provide a safe and positive experience for him and other guests. The suite will have additional security and will be his designated viewing location for the game. State police have also assigned an officer to Mr. Freedom at his request."

Freedom posted a video on X of his conversation with a security representative about the arrangements.

"I don't want a suite, I would like to to sit on the seat that I bought and purchased. I do not want a suite, I'm going to come and sit on the seats that I just bought, that's it," Freedom said when the representative informed him that he would have to sit in a suite.

The representative responded, telling Freedom, "The only thing available to you tonight is the suite."

Freedom subsequently responded, declaring, "Do you know everyone, every media that is going to hear about this right?" later adding, "I guess they'll have to drag me."

ENES KANTER FREEDOM OPENS UP ON CONFRONTATION WITH NATASHA CLOUD THAT LED TO EJECTION, WNBA PURSUIT

Freedom previously told OutKick he had received "thousands of death threats" after announcing his plans to attend, including messages warning that he would be "the next Charlie Kirk." The number of threats he described has not been independently verified.

"My DMs are full of pictures and videos of the moment that Charlie Kirk got shot," Freedom said, adding that the messages warned he would suffer the same fate. He also posted a compilation Tuesday showing messages he presented as threats against him.

Freedom said he had contacted the FBI and arranged his own security. A spokesperson for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp separately told OutKick that the governor’s office had connected Freedom’s team with the appropriate law enforcement resources.

THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!

Despite the threats, Freedom said he intended to attend to support women’s basketball. Asked how he would respond if a player confronted him, he said he would avoid escalating the encounter and would remain off the court.

Freedom’s planned appearance comes after his removal from an August game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever following a heated interaction with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. He was subsequently banned from the Chicago arena.

The former NBA center has challenged the WNBA over eligibility for transgender athletes and announced an attempt to enter its draft.

WNBA TELLS CONGRESS THAT ENES KANTER FREEDOM, ROYCE WHITE ARE ‘BOTH MEN’ IN ELIGIBILITY DISPUTE

Wednesday’s game tipped off at 8 p.m. Eastern. Atlanta and the Hawks arranged for the Dream to host Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena, moving the championship games from the smaller Gateway Center Arena.