# Valkyries Skip National Anthem Before WNBA Finals

> Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream skipped national anthem ahead of WNBA Finals Game 1.
- Title: Valkyries Skip National Anthem Before WNBA Finals | Shortify
- Summary: Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream skipped national anthem ahead of WNBA Finals Game 1. The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream left the locker…
- Keywords: valkries, atlanta dream, wnba finals, national anthem, chase center, golden state, news, entertainment, Valkyries, Skip, National, Anthem
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/10/17/sports/valkryies-dream-left-for-locker-room-during-national-anthem-before-wnba-finals-game-1
- Published: 2026-10-18T01:27:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: valkries, atlanta dream, wnba finals, national anthem, chase center, golden state, news, entertainment
## National Anthem Skipped
The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream skipped the national anthem before Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals.
## Dream's Past Protest
The Atlanta Dream previously protested the national anthem in 2020 with a statement saying it does not represent freedom, justice and liberty for all Americans.

> the anthem does not represent freedom, justice and liberty for all Americans
## Valkyries Win Game 1
Golden State earned its first WNBA Finals win in franchise history with a 68-64 victory over the Dream at Chase Center.
## Coach's Next Move
Head coach Natalie Nakase urged fans to 'level up' for Game 2 after the team's strong performance in Game 1.

> level up
## Key takeaway

The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream left the locker room during the national anthem before Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals.