The recent debate surrounding the WNBA’s use of commercial flights has been reignited after former women’s college basketball star Caitlin Clark made her first trip with the Indiana Fever to Texas for a preseason game against the Dallas Wings. Video shared on social media showed Clark and her teammates arriving at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, sparking questions from social media users about why the league isn’t utilizing charter flights for teams. Clark acknowledged the adjustment of flying commercial, noting that while many would prefer charter flights, the Fever organization has put measures in place to ensure the team’s safety and security during travel.
As the NCAA Division 1 all-time leading scorer, Clark helped boost women’s basketball viewership, with nearly 19 million fans tuning in to the title game. The expectation is that this popularity will carry over to the WNBA, presenting challenges in terms of airport navigation and security. Clark emphasized the need for all teams to adapt to the growing popularity of the league, viewing it as a positive sign for the sport’s future. While acknowledging the current travel situation, Clark urged players not to use it as an excuse and to focus on competing at the highest level.
Fever general manager Lin Dunn assured reporters that the team has implemented security measures to ensure the safety of players, including Clark. While details were not disclosed, Dunn referenced previous incidents at Iowa and Ohio State involving Clark and stated that the team is committed to ensuring the security and well-being of all players. The WNBA has allocated $4 million for charter flights during the playoffs and for any back-to-back games during the regular season. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed a desire for more charter flights for players but emphasized the need to do so when the league is in a stable financial position.
Despite the current challenges of flying commercial, Clark remains focused on her ultimate goal of winning a WNBA title and hopes to help the Fever reach the playoffs in her rookie year. She remains optimistic about the future of the league and its growing popularity, expressing confidence that the necessary changes will come in due time. The debate around charter flights for WNBA teams continues, with fans and players alike advocating for better travel accommodations to enhance player safety, comfort, and overall experience. As the league continues to evolve and gain momentum, the issue of charter flights remains a key topic of discussion among players, officials, and fans.
