Trump Urges WNBA Boycott: Players exit before US anthem; league yet to respond

President Donald Trump called for a boycott of the WNBA after players from the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court during the national anthem in the Finals. Speaking at a rally in Iowa, Trump compared the walkouts to past NFL protests and warned that the teams risk destroying themselves just as popularity is rising. Vice President JD Vance also criticized the players, describing their conduct as disgraceful.

Golden State guard Veronica Burton stated that leaving the court was part of the team's established pregame routine rather than a new political statement. The WNBA suspended enforcement of its anthem protocols in 2017, and several teams have regularly departed the court prior to the anthem in recent seasons. The Valkyries currently lead the best-of-seven championship series 2-1 heading into Game 4.