WNBA players, coaches refuse to explain national anthem absences amid mounting criticism

Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase called her teams 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 Fridays media availability ahead of Game 4 to ask those questions directly.

"What do you do during those 90 seconds that youre off the court?" OutKick asked.

"Im with my staff, so Im focused on my plays. Thats what Im doing right now," Nakase responded.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Valkyries forward Gabby Williams was born in Nevada, holds U.S. and French citizenship and represents France in international competition.

OutKick asked whether Golden States 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: "Thats 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 ESPNs 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 States absences are a demonstration, but saying the practice has lasted for years does not explain its purpose. Neither Williams nor Nakase explained w