# NBA Legend Ron Harper Supports WNBA Teams

> NBA legend Ron Harper backs Atlanta Dream and Valkyries despite walking out during national anthem.
- Title: NBA Legend Ron Harper Supports WNBA Teams · EssentiallySports
- Summary: NBA legend Ron Harper backs Atlanta Dream and Valkyries despite walking out during national anthem. NBA legend Ron Harper supports Atlanta Dream and Golden…
- Keywords: ron harper, atlanta dream, golden state valkyries, wnba, national anthem, 2026 wnba finals, sports, NBA, Legend, Ron, Harper, Supports
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/nba-legends-wnba-basketball-news-its-the-team-choice-not-yours-nba-legend-ron-harper-backs-atlanta-dream-and-golden-state-valkyries-despite-walking-out-during-national-anthem
- Author: Pranav Kotai
- Published: 2026-10-19T04:29:25+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ron harper, atlanta dream, golden state valkyries, wnba, national anthem, 2026 wnba finals, sports
## National Anthem Controversy
Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries walked out during national anthem before 2026 WNBA Finals Game 1.
## Ron Harper's Response
NBA legend ron harper tweeted: 'Shut and it’s the team choice not yours'.

> Shut and it’s the team choice not yours
## Fan Reaction
Emily Austin criticized the teams for walking out during national anthem on social media.
## Historical Context
Atlanta Dream previously supported black lives matter movement and changed ownership after former co-owner kelly loeffler criticized it.
## Recent Precedents
Dallas Mavericks skipped national anthem in 2021 after consulting nba commissioner adam silver.
## Current Outcome
Golden State Valkyries won 68-64 against Atlanta Dream in game 1 of 2026 wnba finals.
## Key takeaway

NBA legend Ron Harper supports Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries after walking out during national anthem.