Ahead of the 2025 season, the WNBA declared the new rule, which requires all players to stand during the playing of the national anthem as a show of respect and solidarity. The league stated that the restriction is intended to prevent political distractions and preserve a uniform pregame atmosphere. However, there has been immediate opposition to the implementation of this rule, with many contending that it violates players’ right to free speech.
When two players who have been outspoken supporters of social justice decided to kneel during the playing of the national anthem at a Phoenix Mercury vs. Seattle Storm game, the controversy reached its zenith. Referees quickly removed them from the match as a result, citing the new league rule.
Players’ Reaction and Public Outcome
Known for their activism, the disqualified players, whose names have not been made public by the league, expressed their displeasure with the ruling. “Kneeling is a peaceful way to bring attention to social justice issues,” one of the players subsequently told the reporters. The league’s preference for appearances over player opinions is disheartening.
Social media was used by players and fans to express their views; some criticized what they perceived as a repression of free speech, while others backed the league’s position on uniform conduct. Numerous well-known members of the sports world also expressed their opinions, with some drawing comparisons between the WNBA’s decision and other instances in other professional leagues.
League Leaders Uphold the Regulation
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert responded to the criticism by defending the policy and stressing the value of cooperation. “We are aware that players have causes and personal convictions they wish to support. Nonetheless, we think that keeping a consistent stance during the anthem keeps the attention on the match and the league overall. Engelbert went on to say that there had been conversations.
Future Consequences
Discussions concerning athletes’ rights to protest and whether professional sports organizations should control how people express their personal ideas have heated up after the two players were disqualified. Some teams and supporters fear that the regulation creates a risky precedent for restricting players’ liberty, while others embrace it in order to uphold league traditions.
The order may be challenged in court, according to legal experts, some of whom have pointed to possible First Amendment infractions. But because the WNBA is a private organization, it may set its own rules as long as they don’t clash with more general labor agreements.
It’s unclear if the WNBA will change its position or if more players would defy as the discussion goes on.