Sophie Cunningham indicated that she doesn’t agree with WNBA groups’ polarizing choice to skip the nationwide anthem.
The Fever star and pending free agent didn’t call out the Dream and Valkyries for doing so during these WNBA Finals, but said she would “show support.”
“This has been happening throughout the whole season. This isn’t like anything new, people are getting mad about it now but it’s happened the whole season. I don’t know. I just feel like personally I have a lot — I am grateful and I support the people who serve,” Cunningham said during a sit-down interview with podcaster Theo Von. “We have relations who have served and they’re over there doing that are unimaginable for us to out here residing our desires and having the freedoms that we stay. Anytime that I can shout out our veterans and the folks who are presently combating for us to stay in the greatest nation, I’m going to present that support, I’m going to give them love.
“That’s where I stand. That doesn’t mean that’s where everyone stands and if it’s right, wrong, whatever. I take a lot of pride in where I come from and I’m proud to be an American citizen.”
Theo Von asks Sophie Cunningham what she thinks of WNBA gamers strolling out during the nationwide Anthem.
THEO VON: “How do you feel about that, or do you have any thoughts on it?”
CUNNINGHAM: “I mean, you know who you’re talking to? OF COURSE, I have thoughts on it.”
Cunningham… pic.twitter.com/7W8iWBiwto
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) October 29, 2026
Skipping the nationwide anthem is not a new pattern, as Cunningham said, but the choice has become a nationwide storyline during these Finals.
The two groups skipped the “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the first 5 video games before returning to the courtroom shortly after the nationwide anthem ended. Game 6 is on faucet Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET in Atlanta with the Valkyries holding a 3-2 Finals lead.
An specific purpose has not been given for the choice, with Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase saying its half of their pregame routine and Golden State star Gabby Williams stating it is not new.
In 2020, the Dream launched a assertion saying “the anthem does not represent freedom, justice and liberty for all Americans.”
The groups’ choice has earned backlash, with Vice President J.D. Vance ripping their actions.
Sophie Cunningham reacting to a query about WNBA gamers skipping the nationwide anthem. @VigilantFox/X
“I think that you should not express some criticism of a public policy of a given politician by disrespecting the country writ large,” Vance said lately.
“I mean, those women who play for the WNBA, think of the public safety, think of the incredible wealth and privilege, the amazing jobs that they have.”
Crystal Renee Hayslett performs the nationwide anthem before recreation 4 of the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Getty Images
Cunningham, 30, has appeared in one WNBA Finals in 2021 with the Mercury, when the Sky claimed the title in 4 video games.
She’s a pending free agent following a drama-filled season with the Fever in which she grew to become a nationwide storyline after stating her opposition views to transgender athletes.
That dialogue enveloped the WNBA for the the rest of the season and has even carried over into the Finals with former NBAer Enes Kanter Freedom’s controversial Game 3 look.
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