Fan suggests the WNBA are not enforcing their rule on the national anthem

The WNBA have outlined what teams are supposed to do during the pre-game national anthem in their rule book, though some teams do not appear to be obeying.

Debate around the national anthem was brought back up again recently ahead of the Indiana Fever taking on the Atlanta Dream.

The Fever appeared on the court ahead of the clash getting underway, though the Dream were reportedly still in their locker room when the anthem took place.

After a video of the national anthem being played was shared online, Sophie Cunningham was praised as she appeared to be the only Fever star who had her hand on her heart.

Meanwhile, the Daily Wire reported at the time that ‘The Atlanta Dream remained inside the locker room during the national anthem before their matchup against the Indiana Fever on Sunday night’.

Now, one fan has taken to X/Twitter to suggest that the WNBA are not enforcing their rule regarding the national anthem.

They stated: “According to the 2026 WNBA Official Rule Book, teams are required to stand on the court in a dignified posture while the National Anthem is being played.

“However, it appears the league does not enforce this rule. Today, only a third of the teams in the league actually obey this rule, while two-thirds don’t.”

The official WNBA rule book outlines what is supposed to happen during the anthem on page 75.

They state: “(2) Players, coaches, and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line during the playing of the National Anthem.”

But it appears some teams are not following that protocol this season.

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