Valkyries win WNBA title; both finalists stayed off court for anthems

Sport · First reported 1 Nov, 00:55 · Updated 01:25

Image: Wikimedia Commons · Rekia1991 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Golden State beat Atlanta 68–63 in Game 7 on Oct. 31 to claim its first WNBA championship, while both teams remained off the court for the national anthem before all seven Finals games.

The Valkyries defeated the Dream 68–63 in Game 7, winning their first championship in their second season; Gabby Williams scored 30 points.
Both teams left the court before the anthem at each of the seven Finals games and returned after it ended.
Golden State coach Natalie Nakase described the absence as part of the team’s pregame routine; Gabby Williams said it was not a protest. The cited report says the league and teams had not answered its questions about the practice.

Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles

Key facts

Game 7 result: Golden State 68, Atlanta 63.
Date and venue: Oct. 31, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Golden State points leader: Gabby Williams scored 30 points.
Anthem routine: Both teams were off the court for the anthem before all seven Finals games.
Rulebook provision: The 2026 WNBA rulebook says players, coaches and trainers are to stand in a dignified posture during the anthem.