Indiana Fever Stand Alone During National Anthem as WNBA Debate Heats Up — Caitlin Clark’s Quiet Statement Draws Nationwide Attention

The Indiana Fever are making a statement—not with chants, protests, or interviews, but with stillness and presence. In a league where national anthem demonstrations have become increasingly common, the Fever are standing apart, both literally and symbolically.

Saturday night’s nationally televised showdown between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty was expected to draw eyes for its on-court drama. But before a single dribble, the stage was already set—during the playing of the national anthem.

While the New York Liberty remained in the locker room during “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the entire Indiana roster stood tall at center court. With hands over their hearts and eyes toward the flag, the Fever sent a silent but resounding message: their anthem stance isn’t changing.

This was not an isolated moment. The previous weekend, during a matchup with the Chicago Sky, Indiana also stood while their opponents chose to remain in the tunnel. The pattern is clear: the Fever are not just playing basketball. They’re choosing to be visible, patriotic—or depending on who you ask, traditional—in a league that’s navigating increasingly complex conversations about race, protest, and identity.

A Divided Approach to the Anthem

The WNBA has long been at the forefront of social justice advocacy. Since the protests of 2020, anthem demonstrations have become a normalized form of expression for many teams. Some players kneel. Some teams skip the anthem altogether. Others offer no public stance.

But this season, the Fever are quietly establishing themselves as outliers.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, seated courtside at last week’s Indiana–Chicago game, first drew widespread attention to the Sky’s absence during the anthem. His post went viral: “Entire Chicago Sky team stayed in the tunnel. Fever all stood. Interesting contrast.”

Now, one week later, the Liberty followed the same approach, opting not to appear during the pre-game tradition. Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports asked bluntly on X: “Are the Fever the only team in the WNBA that stands on the court for the national anthem?”

While no official tally exists, it’s clear that Indiana’s consistency stands out. What’s less clear is how the players interpret their choice—or if it’s even a coordinated decision at all. But to millions watching, the image of Caitlin Clark and her teammates standing solemnly on Memorial Day weekend struck a deep chord.

Caitlin Clark: Center of Attention Once Again

As perhaps the most talked-about rookie in league history, Caitlin Clark is no stranger to the spotlight. Her every move—on and off the court—is dissected, debated, and amplified across social media. But lately, Clark is garnering headlines not just for her long-range shooting or on-court composure, but for her posture during the anthem.

In a league where many of her peers choose silence during the anthem as a form of protest, Clark’s choice to stand is being viewed by some as countercultural. The fact that she makes no overt political statement only adds fuel to the fire. She doesn’t kneel. She doesn’t speak out. She just stands.

And in today’s polarized environment, that’s enough to make a headline.

Fans have flocked to online platforms to weigh in. Some hail Clark as a respectful, grounded patriot. Others argue that her silence during broader league discussions is deafening. Still, many appreciate that Clark remains consistent, allowing her actions—not her interviews—to shape the narrative.

“She doesn’t have to say anything. Just watch how she carries herself,” one fan posted on Reddit. “She’s got poise beyond her years.”

Memorial Day Optics Stir Stronger Reactions

Saturday’s game took place on Memorial Day weekend—a time meant to honor military service and national sacrifice. That timing heightened public reaction to the anthem optics.

While teams are not required to stand or even be present during the national anthem, many fans saw the Liberty’s decision to remain in the locker room as disrespectful, especially on a weekend meant for remembrance. In contrast, Indiana’s visible presence on the court sparked appreciation among more traditionally-minded viewers.

Conservative commentators praised the Fever’s approach. Liberal voices, meanwhile, pointed to the complexity of the moment, urging fans not to overlook the deeper reasons some athletes choose protest.

Yet through it all, the Fever, and particularly Clark, have remained silent on the issue. No official statement has been released by the team. And Clark, who’s been careful not to wade into political waters publicly, continues to let her presence speak for itself.

What This Means for the WNBA

The anthem divide playing out on national broadcasts signals a deeper tension in the WNBA—between activism and tradition, between visibility and silence. The league has built a reputation for progressive advocacy, and many of its stars are vocal about issues of racial justice, gender equity, and LGBTQ+ rights.

But not every player feels obligated to make a political statement, and Indiana’s quiet stance is becoming a flashpoint.

As the season unfolds, this dynamic is likely to evolve. Will other teams follow suit and return to the court for the anthem? Or will Indiana remain an outlier?

For now, one thing is certain: Caitlin Clark’s presence continues to shape not only games, but broader conversations around what it means to be a professional athlete in 2025.