The WNBA season began with some teams, such as the Indiana Fever, chartering flights to their season opener, while others, like the Chicago Sky’s draft pick Angel Reese, still flew commercially. Reese expressed hope that it would be the last time the Sky had to fly commercially and eagerly anticipated the introduction of charter flights for all teams. The issue of charter flights in the WNBA has long been debated and was previously not allowed due to concerns about fairness, as seen when New York Liberty owner Joe Tsai was fined for providing his team with charters in 2022. However, the league has recently expanded its charter flight policy to include postseason games, back-to-back games, and select regular-season games.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that the league will be introducing full-time chartered flights for teams as soon as possible, with a projected cost of $25 million per year for the next two seasons. The use of commercial flights has been a safety concern for players, as seen when Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner was targeted by a social media figure at a Dallas airport, leading Griner to describe it as “rock bottom” for the WNBA. Many players, including Caitlin Clark and Reese, have spoken out about the challenges of commercial flights and are eagerly awaiting the introduction of the new charter flight program.
The issue of charter flights in the WNBA goes back to the league’s inception in 1997, and it has been a source of debate and contention over the years. While some teams have been able to charter flights for certain occasions, such as postseason games, many players have had to endure lengthy commercial travel, often spending entire days traveling across the country. The introduction of full-time chartered flights will provide a safer and more efficient travel option for all teams, improving player experience and overall competitiveness in the league.
The importance of player safety and comfort during travel cannot be overstated, especially in a professional sports league like the WNBA. The introduction of full-time chartered flights will not only benefit the players in terms of convenience and safety but will also level the playing field for all teams by eliminating any potential competitive advantages. With the league’s commitment to launching the charter flight program as soon as possible, players like Reese and Clark can look forward to more comfortable and efficient travel arrangements in the near future.
The financial cost of implementing full-time chartered flights for WNBA teams is significant, with a projected annual cost of $25 million for the next two seasons. However, the investment in player safety and well-being is essential for the continued growth and success of the league. By ensuring that all teams have access to charter flights for their travel needs, the WNBA is taking a significant step towards providing a more professional and sustainable environment for its players. With the support of the league and its stakeholders, the future looks bright for the WNBA and its commitment to player welfare.
