The NBA has officially mandated the national anthem be played before the opening tip of all games now that fans are returning to arenas.

NBA Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass said Wednesday teams will abide what has been league policy for quite some time:

“With NBA teams now in the process of welcoming fans back into their arenas, all teams will play the national anthem in keeping with longstanding league policy,” Bass said in a statement, via Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated.

The announcement comes shortly after Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban confirmed the team wasn't playing the anthem before games this season. Cuban had consulted with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the matter and had planned for the trend to continue.

It seems the NBA did not prohibit the Mavs from avoiding the playing of the anthem because the league left it to individual teams to carry out operations in home arenas without fans present:

“Under the unique circumstances of this season, teams are permitted to run their pregame operations as they see fit,” NBA spokesman Tim Frank said, via The Associated Press.

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Mavericks News
former general manager Don Nelson speaks to the media before game two between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Don Nelson reveals ‘favorite player’ in 1998 NBA Draft and it’s not DirkDavid Yapkowitz ·
Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) in action
Don Nelson doesn’t hold back on Mavericks’ ‘tremendous mistake’ of trading Luka DoncicJedd Pagaduan ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Brooklyn Nets at the American Airlines Center.
Mavericks rumors: Tim MacMahon reveals ‘feasible’ Jason Kidd scenario amid Knicks’ interestJackson Stone ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
How Don Nelson will ‘protest’ Luka Doncic trade at award ceremonyMalik Brown ·
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
When Cooper Flagg is visiting Mavericks before 2025 NBA DraftOwen Crisafulli ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Mavericks rumors: What Dallas is expected to tell Knicks about Jason KiddOwen Crisafulli ·

However, with fans returning to some arenas, the NBA has changed its course. Cuban said Wednesday the organization is fine with the mandate and will comply:

Dallas hosted fans for the first time this season Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as over 1,500 essential workers were in attendance.

With fans returning to the stands, the Mavs and all other 29 franchises will be required to play the national anthem.