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WNBA stars spark more fan fury after Angel Reese and Co snub national anthem AGAIN before Finals Game 5

THE WNBA’s stars have caused more fan outrage after Angel Reese and company skipped the national anthem once again before a Finals game.

The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries made the controversial national anthem decision before Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Monday.

2026 WNBA Finals - Game Five
Atlanta Dream stars, including Angel Reese, second to left, react during the third quarter of Game 5 of the WNBA Finals
2026 WNBA Finals - Game Five
A view of the Chase Arena as Dinah Jane performs the national anthem before Game 5

Both WNBA squads warmed up before the anticipated game in San Francisco with the series tied 2-2.

But the Dream and Valkyries left the court at the Chase Center and missed Dinah Jane’s rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner.

They returned to the floor as the Valkyries went on to win, 64-55, and claim a 3-2 series lead.

The WNBA reversed its mandatory anthem protocols in 2017, allowing teams to decide if they’re going to stand on the court while the song is played before a game.

Nonetheless, basketball fans continue to show their frustrations with the Dream and Valkyries’ decisions to be in the locker room during the national anthem throughout the WNBA Finals.

“This is very very disturbing and sad!!!!!!” one said on X.

“I thought I reached the pinnacle of hatred for the WNBA, but this slams it to another level,” another commented.

“This is Anti-American,” a third added.

WNBA Finals Basketball
Reese reacts after being called for a foul during the Dream’s Game 5 road loss

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Neither the Dream nor the Valkyries have claimed the national anthem decision is part of a political demonstration.

Both teams skipping the anthem during the WNBA Finals led to President Donald Trump calling for fans to stop watching the women’s professional basketball league.

Before Game 4, Valkyries star Gabby Williams weighed in on the topic, saying that the decision not to stay on the floor during the national anthem isn’t a protest, and is simply a team routine.

“That’s been the routine for like, seven years now,” Williams told OutKick.

The Valkyries are one winning away for winning the WNBA title.

They will look to make history in Game 6 on Thursday at an unusual time, 12:30 pm ET, due to a scheduling conflict with the Atlanta Hawks.

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