The opening night of the 2025 WNBA season was supposed to center around the highly anticipated clash between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, two of the league’s brightest young stars.
Instead, the Chicago Sky became the subject of controversy after several claims circulated online suggesting the team did not remain on the court for the national anthem.
The incident reportedly occurred moments before tipoff against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Although the WNBA has yet to confirm any details, multiple social media users – including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy – claimed the Sky exited during the anthem or failed to come out altogether.
“Chicago Sky didn’t come out for the anthem? Weird,” Portnoy posted on X, formerly Twitter. His post was quickly followed by dozens of reactions from fans and critics alike.
One user remarked, “Bush League bulls**t – Chicago Sky walk off the court during the National Anthem, then come back right after.” Another wrote, “Are we really surprised a team like the Chicago Sky wouldn’t stand for the anthem?”
Opening night drama shifts spotlight from game to gesture
The supposed walk-off took place ahead of one of the most talked-about matchups of the year. Reese, who starred for LSU, and Clark, the former Iowa phenom, reignited their on-court rivalry after months of buildup.
Their college duel in the 2023 NCAA Championship had elevated both players into the national spotlight, and their transition to the WNBA has carried that narrative forward.
As for the game itself, Indiana led 22-17 at the end of the first quarter, with Clark contributing five points and Reese adding four. Despite their budding rivalry, both players have maintained a professional tone in public, often complimenting each other’s games.
The focus, however, shifted from the court to the sidelines as speculation about the Sky’s anthem conduct gained momentum. Some fans have defended the team’s right to make a political or personal statement, while others have accused the move of being divisive or disrespectful.
No formal comment has been released by the Chicago Sky organization, the WNBA, or any of the players involved. It remains unclear whether the incident was intentional or the result of a scheduling issue, but the story has gained traction across sports and cultural commentary platforms.
A growing trend or isolated event?
This isn’t the first time professional athletes or teams have used the national anthem as a moment of protest or reflection. In recent years, WNBA players have taken strong stances on social justice issues, often leading the conversation in American sports.
If confirmed, the Sky’s absence during the anthem could be interpreted as a continuation of that legacy – or simply a misunderstood moment.
For now, the attention remains divided. Fans tuned in for a clash of rising stars may instead leave talking about a team’s stance – or lack thereof – during a two-minute song.
Whether the Sky clarify their position in the coming days could determine whether this incident fades or becomes a defining part of their 2025 narrative.
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