Dream, Valkyries stay off court for fourth WNBA Finals national anthem as some fans remain seated

The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries were off the court for the national anthem before Saturdays Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena, marking their fourth straight absence in the series.

Some fans also remained seated during the performance, including spectators who kept their hats on.

I attempted to observe what Atlantas players do after leaving the court, but arena staff told me my credential did not grant access to that area and escorted me back to my assigned media seat.

An employee inside State Farm Arena told OutKick that Dream players stand in a hallway after leaving the court before games. OutKick asked the Dream to confirm whether players remain there during the national anthem and explain what they do during the performance. The team did not immediately respond.

Players from both teams said Friday that staying off the court during the anthem has been their practice for years.

In the first three games, both teams and returned seconds after it ended. Games 1 and 2 were played at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17 and 19. The series moved to Atlanta for Game 3 on Oct. 21.

Atlanta entered Saturday with a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven series after , 97–71.

The anthem absences have drawn criticism from President Donald Trump, who urged fans to stop watching the WNBA at an Oct. 22 rally in Iowa. Vice President "disgraceful."

Atlanta coach Karl Smesko was asked Friday why his team left the floor for the anthem and whose decision that was.

"Were just kind of focused on the Finals," Smesko said.

Asked whether he had any further comment about the anthem and his teams absences on the leagues biggest stage, Smesko said, "No."

An Atlanta public relations representative then moved to the next question.

Dream guard Rhyne Howard was asked Friday about 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 anthem conduct should carry consequences when athletes seek to represent the United States internationally.

"I dont think Ive been on the floor for the national anthem for any of my tenure in Atlanta, so if thats 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 Im out for the national anthem every time, theres no doubt about it."

"Yes, I love the country that I play for and I love what we have here," she added.

Howard and Dream teammate Angel Reese represented the United States at Septembers FIBA Womens Basketball World Cup, where both stood for the anthem. Golden State had no players on that U.S. roster, although Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase served as an assistant coach.

OutKick followed up with Howard: "Is there a reason youre not on the court for the anthem?"

Howard and an Atlanta public relations representative both responded, "Next question."

During Fridays media availability in Atlanta, OutKick asked Nakase whose decision it was for Golden State to stay off the court and why.

"Were two years in," Nakase said. "Thats been part of our pregame."

Asked again who decided and why, she said, "I really dont know."

"I understand your question," Nakase added. "Im not trying to, you know, not answer your question. Its just part of our pregame."

OutKick followed up: "What do you do during those 90 seconds that youre off the court?"

"Im with my staff, so Im focused on my plays," Nakase said.

Golden States 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.