The WNBA will now have full-time chartered flights for its teams throughout the season, marking the first time in league history. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert revealed that the league will launch a charter program once planes are available, with an estimated cost of $25 million per year for the next two seasons. This change is in response to player safety concerns that have arisen from teams traveling commercially since the league’s inception in 1997. Last year, Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury faced an unsettling encounter at a Dallas airport, highlighting the need for improved travel accommodations.
The incident involving Griner, who had recently been released from a controversial exchange with Russian officials, was described as “rock bottom” for the WNBA. This led to calls for better conditions for players, with Caitlin Clark and Flau’Jae Johnson expressing that flying commercially would be an adjustment. In response to New York Liberty owner Joe Tsai providing charter flights in 2022, the WNBA fined him $500,000 for violating the collective bargaining agreement. This move was seen as potentially giving his team an unfair competitive advantage over franchises that could not afford charters, leading to the league primarily utilizing commercial flights in the past.
Despite the history of commercial travel for WNBA teams, the league expanded its charter flight policy heading into the last season. Private flights were allowed for all postseason games, back-to-back games, and select regular-season games to help alleviate the challenges of long travel days. Additionally, teams can book flights on JSX, which is essentially a chartered flight where they can purchase the entire flight on an already-scheduled route. As the WNBA season gets underway on May 14th, the introduction of full-time chartered flights will provide teams with a more efficient and comfortable means of travel throughout the season.
The significance of the WNBA implementing full-time chartered flights cannot be understated, as it marks a major step forward in providing better conditions for players. The league’s decision to invest in charter flights demonstrates a commitment to player safety and well-being, addressing concerns that have long been present surrounding commercial travel. The incident involving Brittney Griner shed light on the potential risks and discomfort that players may face while traveling commercially, further emphasizing the need for improved travel accommodations.
With the WNBA season fast approaching, the shift to full-time charter flights represents a positive development for the league and its players. The move not only addresses safety concerns but also enhances the overall experience for teams as they navigate the challenges of an intense season. By investing in charter flights, the WNBA is investing in the welfare of its athletes, ensuring that they have the support and resources necessary to perform at their best. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the transition to full-time chartered flights is poised to have a significant impact on the league’s operations and the well-being of its players.
