A social media claim suggested that the Dallas Wings skipped the national anthem before their preseason game against the Indiana Fever. Available evidence does not support that claim. There are no credible reports, broadcast clips, or official statements indicating any anthem-related absence or protest during the game.

Did the Dallas Wings skip the National Anthem Against the Indiana Fever?

There is no verified evidence that the Dallas Wings skipped the national anthem during their April 30, 2026 preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Game coverage, box scores, and available footage show a standard pregame sequence. The Wings defeated the Fever 95–80. Caitlin Clark led Indiana with 21 points, while Paige Bueckers scored 20 for Dallas.

The confusion may stem from past WNBA actions. In 2021, multiple teams, including the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever, chose to remain off the court during the national anthem as part of league-wide social justice demonstrations. Those actions were organized and publicly acknowledged. There is no connection between those events and this 2026 preseason game.

What Happened During the National Anthem Before the Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever Game?

According to game reports available, the Dallas Wings versus Indiana Fever preseason game proceeded without any controversial incident at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. There were no reported anthem absences, protests, or deviations from standard protocol ahead of the tip-off. 

Footage available on the WNBA’s official platforms showed both teams going through their warmup routines in the lead-up to the game. The contest itself unfolded without any notable controversy during the game as well as around the pre-game proceedings.

Is There Any Official Statement From the Dallas Wings Regarding the Anthem Claim?

No official statement has been issued by the Dallas Wings addressing the social media claim about skipping the national anthem during their 2026 preseason opener against the Indiana Fever. The Indiana Fever have similarly made no comment on the matter.

That silence is itself telling. In situations where a team genuinely deviates from anthem protocol, particularly in a deliberate or organized fashion, official statements tend to follow. This can either be from the team, the league, or both. The absence of any such communication further supports the conclusion that no deviation took place.

What Are the WNBA’s Rules on the National Anthem Before Games? 

According to the WNBA’s official rulebook, players, coaches, and trainers are expected to stand in a dignified posture along the sideline or foul line during the national anthem. The rule also requires players to be uniformly dressed for introductions. These guidelines are outlined in the league’s 2024 and 2025 rulebooks, which remain the most recently published standards.

The league has also allowed flexibility in certain situations. During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, the WNBA permitted teams to remain in the locker room or demonstrate during the anthem as part of organized social justice initiatives. Teams such as the Seattle Storm and New York Liberty took part in those actions, which were publicly acknowledged by the league.

The rulebook does not specify standard penalties for anthem non-compliance, and enforcement has varied based on context. In this case, however, there is no evidence of any deviation. Based on game reports, available footage, and the absence of official statements, the claim that the Dallas Wings skipped the national anthem is unsubstantiated.