Mavs to resume playing anthem after NBA reminds teams of policy

The NBA announced Wednesday that all teams will play the national anthem prior to games after the Dallas Mavericks didn't do so before their 11 home games at American Airlines Center thus far this season.

"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," NBA chief communications officer Mike Bass said.

The Mavs' decision not to play the national anthem stems from a belief that it doesn't represent some members of the organization, team owner Mark Cuban told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

"We respect and always have respected the passion people have for the anthem and our country. I have always stood for the anthem with the hand over my heart - no matter where I hear it played," Cuban said. "But we also hear the voices of those who do not feel the anthem represents them. We feel they also need to be respected and heard, because they have not been heard."

Cuban added: "The hope is that those who feel passionate about the anthem being played will be just as passionate in listening to those who do not feel it represents them."

Dallas will begin playing the national anthem in accordance with league policy ahead of Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Monday's contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves marked the first time this season a limited number of spectators were permitted inside American Airlines Center.