The WNBA was rocked by controversy last night when two players were ejected before tip-off for violating the league’s newly implemented “No Kneeling” rule during the national anthem.
The unprecedented decision has ignited fierce debate across the sports world, with players, coaches, and fans divided over the league’s strict enforcement of the policy.
The incident occurred just minutes before the game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx. As the anthem played, the two players—whose identities have not yet been officially confirmed by the league—took a knee in protest, defying the WNBA’s latest directive.
Officials swiftly responded, ejecting both athletes before the opening tip, marking the first disciplinary action taken under the controversial rule.
The league introduced the “No Kneeling” rule earlier this season, citing the need to maintain unity and avoid divisive political statements during games. The policy has drawn mixed reactions, with some supporting the move as a means of keeping politics separate from sports, while others view it as an infringement on players’ rights to peaceful protest.
The WNBA Players Association had previously expressed strong opposition to the rule, arguing that it stifles free expression and disregards the league’s history of activism.
The ejections sent shockwaves through the arena, with fans reacting in a mix of disbelief and frustration. Some spectators voiced their support for the ejected players by booing the decision, while others applauded the league’s firm stance on the matter.
Social media immediately erupted, with #NoKneeling trending within minutes of the news breaking.
Teammates and coaches appeared visibly shaken as the game proceeded without the two players. Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that he respected the league’s authority but believed players should have the right to express themselves peacefully.
Meanwhile, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve chose her words carefully, emphasizing the importance of team unity while acknowledging the deep emotions surrounding the issue.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released a brief statement following the game, reaffirming the league’s commitment to enforcing the rule. “Our policy is clear, and all players are expected to abide by it,” Engelbert said.
“We recognize that our athletes are passionate about important social issues, and we encourage them to use their platforms outside of official game settings to advocate for change.” However, critics argue that the league’s stance contradicts its long-standing reputation as one of the most progressive sports organizations.
Several WNBA players immediately took to social media to express their outrage, condemning the league’s handling of the situation. “Silencing us won’t stop us,” one veteran player posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Another star player questioned the league’s priorities, writing, “So we can use our voices for league promos, but not for justice? Got it.”
Prominent figures outside of the WNBA also weighed in on the controversy. NBA stars, past and present, expressed solidarity with the ejected players, with some calling for the rule to be repealed.
Social justice advocates criticized the league’s decision, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the players’ ability to stand—or kneel—for their beliefs. Meanwhile, others defended the policy, insisting that sports should remain apolitical and focused solely on the game.
Sponsors and corporate partners of the WNBA now face growing pressure to respond. Several brands that have long supported the league’s activism have yet to make a public statement, but fans and advocacy groups are calling for them to take a stand.
Some have even threatened boycotts if the league does not reconsider its stance on the issue.
This is not the first time kneeling during the anthem has sparked controversy in professional sports. The movement gained widespread attention in 2016 when former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling to protest racial injustice and police brutality.
Since then, athletes across various leagues have followed suit, with reactions ranging from support to fierce opposition. While some sports organizations eventually embraced the protest as a legitimate form of expression, others, like the WNBA, have now taken a hardline approach.
The league’s decision to enforce the “No Kneeling” rule raises questions about the future of player activism in women’s basketball.
Many athletes in the WNBA have been at the forefront of social justice movements, using their platform to advocate for causes such as racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equity.
With this latest development, players now face a difficult choice—comply with the rule or risk disciplinary action that could impact their careers.
Fans remain divided on the issue, with some calling for immediate changes to the policy and others urging players to focus on the game rather than politics.
Season ticket holders, many of whom have supported the league’s activism in the past, have voiced concerns about the direction the WNBA is taking. Some have even suggested organizing protests outside arenas to demand that the league allow players to express themselves freely.
As the WNBA grapples with the fallout, legal experts suggest that the policy could face challenges on constitutional grounds.
While private leagues have the authority to implement rules governing player conduct, the enforcement of a rule that directly limits peaceful protest could lead to legal disputes. Some legal scholars argue that players may have grounds to challenge the policy under labor laws or even civil rights protections.
For now, the fate of the two ejected players remains uncertain. The league has not yet announced whether they will face additional disciplinary measures, such as fines or suspensions.
However, sources indicate that discussions are already underway within the Players Association to explore possible responses, including potential legal action or organized protests.
With tensions running high, the WNBA finds itself at a crossroads. Will the league double down on its stance, or will it bow to growing pressure and reconsider its approach?
The coming days will likely shape not only the immediate future of the players involved but also the broader role of activism in women’s professional sports. One thing is clear—this controversy is far from over.
