Valkyries lead Dream 2-1 in best‑of‑seven WNBA Finals, Game 4 set for Oct 24.
The 2‑1 advantage came after the Valkyries won Game 3 on the East Coast, their first win of the series since the opener. Burton, who has been a key scorer for the team, said the walkout was just their pre‑game ritual, not a political statement.
Walkouts began in Game 1 when both squads left the floor for the two minutes of the national anthem. The move has now carried over into every contest, spotlighting the league’s anthem protocol.
Trump and Vice President Vance seized the moment, urging fans to boycott unless the teams stay on court for the anthem. Trump warned at an Iowa rally, “They’re leaving the court. What’s that about?…stop watching women’s basketball if they don’t change.” Vance called the conduct “disgraceful.”
The WNBA’s rulebook says players must stand in a dignified posture during the anthem, but the league has suspended enforcement since 2017. No official statement has come from the league or the teams yet.
With the series still wide open, Game 4 will test whether the walkouts can be a distraction or a rallying point. The next chapter of the finals is set for Oct 24 at State Farm Arena.