The WNBA is facing major backlash after both Finals teams left the court before the national anthem, sparking outrage and calls for a boycott.
The WNBA is finally experiencing significant growth, but its latest controversy might be pushing some fans away.
During the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, players from both teams have been leaving the court before the national anthem. Videos of the teams heading toward their locker rooms quickly sparked outrage, with critics accusing the players of disrespecting the American flag.
And now, even President Donald Trump is getting involved.
Trump blasted the situation and encouraged fans to stop watching the league, warning that the WNBA could damage its own success.
But here’s where things get interesting.
The WNBA suspended its national anthem protocols in 2017, and teams have regularly left the court before the anthem for years. Golden State guard Veronica Burton even explained that the team’s absence wasn’t intended as a political statement, but simply part of its normal pregame routine.
Still, that explanation hasn’t stopped the criticism.
The WNBA has worked incredibly hard to grow its audience, attract sponsors, and establish itself as a major professional sports league. With stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark bringing attention to women’s basketball, the last thing the league needs is another controversy overshadowing the product on the court.
Whether the players intended to make a statement or not, the optics have become a major distraction.
For millions of Americans, the national anthem represents something much bigger than sports. While players have every right to express themselves, fans also have the right to question decisions they believe show disrespect.
The WNBA should be celebrating its championship series, not defending its pregame routines.
And with the controversy now reaching the White House, one question remains: Is the WNBA hurting its own growth at the worst possible time?
