Dream and Valkyries Exit Court for National Anthem, Return Immediately in WNBA Finals Game 1

During Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center on Saturday, the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries both stepped off the floor before the national anthem and re‑entered within seconds of its conclusion. The teams had been warming up on the court prior to the anthem, then left for roughly the two minutes it took to perform the "Star‑Spangled Banner." No official explanation was given, and the timing suggests the move was part of a pregame routine rather than a protest. The incident has drawn attention to how teams handle anthem observances during championship play and the expectations of fans and league officials.