The 2026 WNBA Finals have been nothing short of electric on the court, but off the hardwood, a political firestorm is brewing. Vice President J.D. Vance has taken aim at the league's biggest stage, accusing players from both the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries of showing a lack of respect for the nation.
According to reports from Fox News and OutKick, players from both teams have reportedly left the court before the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in each of the first three games of the Finals. The WNBA officially has a national anthem policy, but it has been suspended for several years, leaving teams to decide their own protocol. The league, along with the Dream and Valkyries organizations, has not publicly commented on the matter, and coaches were not asked about it during postgame press conferences.
Vance, speaking on the "Arroyo Grande" show with host Raymond Arroyo, didn't hold back. "I think it's disgraceful," he said. "I think that you should not express some criticism of a public policy of a given politician by disrespecting the country writ large. I mean, those women who play for the WNBA, think of the public safety, think of the incredible wealth and privilege, the amazing jobs that they have. They have a lot to be grateful to the United States for, and I think that if they had a bit more of a spirit of gratitude, they'd be happier people, and they wouldn't offend so many people as well."
The vice president's comments come as the Finals have already been marked by intense moments, including a heartfelt exchange between Angel Reese and her former coach Kim Mulkey, and a bench tirade that set the tone in a Dream victory. The league's decision to suspend the anthem policy has been a point of contention, and this latest controversy only adds fuel to the fire.
Vance, known for his outspoken views, went on to frame the issue in broader terms of civic duty and national identity. "I've gotten some trouble talking about this, but I'll just talk about it again," he said. "One of the ways I understand the Catholic understanding is that we have various orders of duty, and you know, our closest and most immediate duty, of course, is to our family and to the people in our immediate circle. But we, of course, owe duties to the entire world. We owe duties to the stranger. But I also think a good and coherent understanding of the Christian self is that you are part of a national community."
He added, "Whether you were born in the United States or whether you came here by choice, this is your country. And I think that we're all meant to love it. We're all meant to try to make it the best version of itself. But fundamentally, I think, without love of country, I think that you're going to be a disordered human being."
The controversy has drawn mixed reactions from fans and commentators. Some have defended the players' right to protest, while others, like Vance, see it as a sign of ingratitude. The WNBA has not issued a statement, and it remains unclear whether the league will address the situation before Game 4, scheduled for Saturday.
As the Finals continue, the focus on the court remains intense, with the Dream and Valkyries battling for the championship. But the off-court drama adds a layer of complexity to what is already a historic series. The league's handling of the anthem policy and the players' actions will likely be a talking point for days to come.
For now, fans are left to wonder: will the anthem be played at Game 4, and will the players be on the floor? The answers may come soon, but the debate over patriotism and protest in sports is far from over.
