Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith is weighing in on the latest controversy surrounding the WNBA, questioning the league’s patriotism after players from both teams competing in the 2026 WNBA Finals reportedly left the basketball court before the national anthem.
“Why does the WNBA hate America so much?” Beckwith wrote on his official Facebook page, sharing an OutKick report about the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries leaving the court before the national anthem for the second consecutive Finals game.
The controversy comes as Atlanta, led by superstar Angel Reese, battles Golden State for the WNBA championship.
During Game 2 on Monday, players from both teams reportedly exited the court before Grammy-winning singer Alanis Morissette performed the national anthem and returned shortly after she finished.
Critics argue the move disrespects the American flag and the country, pointing to language in the WNBA rulebook calling for players to stand respectfully during the anthem.
However, the Associated Press reports that the league suspended enforcement of its anthem requirement years ago, allowing teams greater discretion. Leaving the court has been a longstanding practice for some WNBA teams, sometimes connected to social justice demonstrations and sometimes to pregame routines.
The controversy also comes as the WNBA continues to grow its national profile, with players like Reese and Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark drawing enormous attention both on and off the court.
Beckwith’s remarks raise another question: Does choosing not to participate in the national anthem mean someone hates America, or is expressing disagreement and exercising personal freedom part of what America represents?
What do you think? Is Indiana’s lieutenant governor making a valid point about patriotism, or is he taking the WNBA’s actions too far?
Sources: Micah Beckwith/Facebook, OutKick, Associated Press