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.Q Parker performs the national anthem before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena on Oct.21, 2026, in Atlanta, Ga.
(Getty Images)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 REQUIREMENTThe WNBA, both teams and the NBA still have not answered OutKick’s questions about the absences.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.Q Parker performs the national anthem before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena.(Getty Images)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.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 AN...