As WNBA teams keep leaving the court for the anthem, Sophie Cunningham says she will stand her ground for America and for those who serve.
Story Highlights
- Sophie Cunningham says she stands for the anthem to honor veterans and active-duty service members.
- Golden State and Atlanta have left the court before every Finals anthem, prompting backlash.
- WNBA rules instruct players to line up “in a dignified posture” during the anthem, though enforcement has varied.
- Some Valkyries players and coaches call the walkout a long-standing pregame routine, not a protest.
Cunningham’s Case: Respect the Flag and Those Who Serve
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham tied her anthem stance to love of country and support for military families. She said she is proud to be an American and wants to show respect to veterans and people currently serving. She urged players to give the anthem its short moment, framing it as basic respect that unites fans and players of all views. Her message drew praise from many fans who are tired of politics in sports and want clear respect for the nation.
Cunningham’s remarks came as the WNBA Finals spotlighted a season-long trend. The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream have repeatedly left the court before the national anthem and returned after it ended. The practice triggered strong reactions across the country. Many viewers saw it as a snub of the flag and of those who fought for it. Others said players should have freedom in pregame routines without getting attacked online.
What The Rules Say, And How Teams Explain Their Absence
The league’s rule book states that players, coaches, and trainers should stand and line up “in a dignified posture” during the anthem. That language shows what the league expects at a basic level, even as day-to-day enforcement has shifted over the years. The written standard gives clarity to fans who believe the anthem is a unifying civic moment. It also frames why many are frustrated when teams head to the tunnel as the singer steps to the mic.
Golden State players and coaches offered a different view. Guard Gabby Williams said leaving the floor has “been the routine for like, seven years now,” and head coach Natalie Nakase called it “part of our pregame.” Their point is that it is a long-standing timing choice, not a message against the flag. That explanation has not cooled debate, as critics argue that routines can be changed for a 90-second anthem that honors the nation.
Public Reaction, Player Latitude, and The Stakes For Fans
Fans lit up social media and talk shows as the Finals wore on, with many slamming the repeated walkouts. The optics of empty sidelines during the anthem angered viewers who see the song as a moment to pause and unite. Reports confirmed both teams left before the anthem in multiple games, and that neither club offered a detailed reason in the immediate aftermath. The absence itself became the story, overshadowing on-court play.
Researchers have noted that anthem conduct has become a proxy fight over patriotism and protest in American sports. That pattern has shaped the WNBA as well. While the rule book describes a dignified posture, the league’s approach to enforcement has changed across seasons, giving players more room to act. That tension leaves teams with latitude, but it also leaves fans wondering where respect for national symbols fits in today’s game.
Why Cunningham’s Stand Resonates With Everyday Americans
Cunningham did not attack teammates or rivals. She spoke for herself, clearly and calmly. She said she is grateful to live in this country and wants to show love to service members. That simple message cuts through the noise. For many fans, standing for the anthem is not politics. It is gratitude. It is a “thank you” to veterans and a reminder that we share a flag even when we disagree on policy.
JACKSON THOMPSON: Sophie Cunningham claims FBI is watching 20 people for her, on WNBA anthem controversy https://t.co/rU48q9uJsb #FoxNews
— Brian Trent (@BrianTrent38180) October 29, 2026
Conservatives see a basic ask: stay on the floor for under two minutes, honor the nation, then play ball. Teams can speak on issues off the court anytime. But the anthem is different. It belongs to all of us. Cunningham’s stance gives frustrated fans a voice inside the league. It also offers a path forward: keep it simple, keep it respectful, and let the game bring people together again.
Sources:
redstate.com, sports.yahoo.com, cleveland.com, oregonlive.com
