Were the Valkyries and Dream fined only $30 for skipping the National Anthem 2nd time in a row? Know what the WNBA rules say

The Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries played both the first and second games of the WNBA Finals against each other, but have sparked controversy for another reason. Players from both teams skipped the national anthem during the two consecutive games.

According to The New York Post, the Valkyries and Dream players walked off the court to the locker room just minutes before the national anthem was sung. Pop singer Alanis Morrisette sang ‘The Sta-Spangles Banner’ before Game 2. The players had made a similar exit before Game 1 on Saturday, October 17 receiving flak online.

The teams immediately returned to the, seconds after the National Anthem was finished being played, The New York Post reported citing Fox News reporter Dan Zaksheske. “They literally left the floor for only the two minutes the anthem was played. Guess that’s just part of the pregame routine though”.


However, this is not the first time Dream has protested against the national anthem. The organization issued a statement in 2020 which read that “the anthem does not represent freedom, justice or liberty for all Americans”. The reason for both teams’ protest in the two games continues to remain unknown as no statement has been made.

Both teams were at the end of severe backlash online

The Valkyries and Dream have both been at the end of severe security from fans online, following them skipping the national anthem. A fan even went on to comment, “Why do people watch this awful garbage”. While another fan accused the players and staff of both teams of hating the US military, stating that was the reason they “can’t stand respectfully giving thanks”.

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Only a $30 fine for skipping the national anthem?

Adding to the backlash and online criticism are the rumours that the WNBA has fined the Dream and the Valkyries a fine of only $30 each for their actions in response to fans demanding strict actions. The claim is completely false. There is no evidence of the WNBA imposing such a fine.

The rumour can be traced back to the X account ‘Fever Updates’, which posted that the league had allegedly fined both the team the meagre fine as a consequence of skipping the national anthem before Game 1.

“The WNBA has fined players from the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream $30 each for failing to stand during the national anthem, an act viewed as disrespectful,” the X handle posted adding fuel to fire.

Despite being false, the rumour has spread with fans now calling out the WNBA for the small fine. One fan reacting to the post said “What a disgusting message from the WNBA. Enough is enough from this league,” with another adding, “Shameful, just shameful”. A fan suggested suspending both teams for ten games, while another said the find should be at least $10,000 for each player.

What does the WNBA rulebook say about the National Anthem?

While the WNBA is yet to respond to the players’ action during the consecutive games, the league’s rulebook does contain a rule for the national anthem. Under the rulebook’s ‘Comments of the Rules: Section II’ a point highlights a player and the team’s conduct when the national anthem is played in any game. The rule is similar to the one in the NBA.

“Players, coaches, and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line during the playing of the National Anthem,” the rulebook’s section states.

The rule, however, does not explicitly demand the players to remain on the floor during the national anthem, but give instructions if they are present on the court.

The Valkyries won the first game 68-64, while Dream took the second with 79-65.