The WNBA Finals opened with a defensive slugfest, but the biggest story wasn't the final score. Both the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream opted to stay in the locker room during the national anthem before Game 1, and the league's response—or lack thereof—has become the talk of the basketball world.

Golden State edged Atlanta 68-64 on Saturday, but the pregame decision by both teams to not be on the court for the anthem has sparked a firestorm. Fox News reported that neither team was present for the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," and the WNBA has remained silent when asked about the protocol.

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This isn't a new phenomenon in the WNBA. Teams have varied approaches to the anthem, with some choosing to stay and others heading to the locker room. However, having both Finals participants skip it simultaneously is unprecedented and raises questions about the league's stance.

The league's rulebook, specifically Section H of the Basic Principles, states: "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." Yet, the WNBA has not issued a statement or indicated any enforcement of this rule.

When OutKick reached out to the league, they received no immediate response. The Dream and Valkyries also declined to comment, and coaches weren't given the chance to address the matter in postgame pressers.

Is the silence a tacit approval? Or is the league simply not wanting to stir the pot during its showcase event? The lack of communication is telling, especially when compared to other sports leagues that have been more vocal about anthem policies.

This isn't the first time anthem protests have made headlines in sports. From the NFL to college basketball, the debate over when and how to honor the flag is ongoing. But the WNBA's quiet approach here could set a precedent for how it handles such matters in the future.

As the Finals shift to Game 2 Monday night, all eyes will be on whether the teams repeat their pregame routine—and whether the league finally breaks its silence. For now, the ball is in the WNBA's court, but they're not dribbling.