Basketball team executive pulls a bait-and-switch on musical performance group: 'Stop wasting the time of valuable performers'

Author image for Remy Millisky
Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Oct 6, 2025 3:00 PM EDT

As the director for a performance group, this North Texan just wanted a cool opportunity to perform the Star-Spangled Banner in front of a crowd of WNBA fans. 

You've probably seen these game-opening performances many times — a school marching band or choir is given the opportunity to start off a sports game, which is very cool for everyone involved. The kids get to stand in front of thousands of cheering fans to perform their song, and of course their proud parents will want to watch this on TV or snap photos from the stands. I know it doesn't mean very much in real life, but if you're part of a choir or a marching band, you'll spend months practicing with your teammates and getting hyped up for the event. It means a lot to you! 

Though even if your director is able to secure you a performance spot, it's not as easy as just showing up with your vocal cords warmed up. No no! You've got to pay for transportation, possibly even a hotel stay or flights if it's too far for the school buses to travel. You've got to get parents to sign forms for every child who needs to attend, and you've got to coordinate all this with chaperones and teachers. 

This person was disappointed to discover another obstacle while trying to organize this opportunity, as they shared down below. Check it out and see what you think about the organization's policies for its performers. 

Next up, read about this person who's seriously considering unfriending an acquaintance who keeps requesting birthday donations from his 4000 friends at least twice a day: "This [is] attention-seeking behavior." 

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  • 01
    I'm the director of a performing group in North Texas. We got an email today from an account executive from the Dallas Wings WNBA team inquiring if my group could perform the Star-
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  • 02
    Spangled Banner at one of their games. They highlighted how it would be great exposure and they would love for us to "be part of this special occasion". Then at the
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    end of the email she asked us to repond if we were interested. My group has been serving the Dallas and surrounding areas for 65+ years so I responded with
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    enthusiasm and even gave some of our highlights about how frequently we perform for the community. Then she responds with this:
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    "For performance groups, we require a specific number of tickets be purchased. We are finalizing what that number may be, but it will more than likely be 75. This includes participants,
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    family members, friends, or whoever may want to come and support the group and watch the game. The National Anthem supplies groups with a great level of exposure,
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    especially with the growth of the league. We are currently taking $50 deposits to secure your spot and give you priority access on which game dates/group pricing
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  • 08
    suits you best. The deposit will go toward the final balance. For the purchase of the tickets, I can either set up a discounted ticket link for you to disperse or you can purchase the tickets outright.
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    Cheezburger Image 10560705792
    via Ahmed For Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

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    Many groups go with the ticket link option since there are so many parties involved in purchasing. We will start the conversion process of deposits in the new year."
    via u/Quiet-Coffee2852
  • 11
    Maybe it's just me but perhaps lead with the fact that you are SOLICITING ticket sales and not really looking for performers. I'm mildly infuriated because this is the first time I've heard of a
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  • 12
    team requiring ticket sales to perform at their game. We didn't reach out to them... they bothered US! We have performed for the Texas Rangers, Local Veterans groups,
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  • 13
    and at our National Cemetery for Wreaths Across America. NONE of them made this sort of request. The Rangers actually GAVE us tickets so our friends and family could come and we
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    could all enjoy the game afterwards. Dallas Wings, stop wasting the time of valuable performers.
    via u/Quiet-Coffee2852
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    Cheezburger Image 10560709376
    via Fotos on Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

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