WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert recently announced that the league will be implementing charter flights for all 12 teams as soon as possible this season. Previously, the WNBA only chartered flights for the playoffs and certain regular season situations, which led to concerns about the safety of commercial travel, especially with rising stars like the Indiana Fever’s No. 1 draft pick Caitlin Clark. The decision to charter flights is expected to cost the league about $25 million a year for the next two years, amounting to about $2 million per team per season. This move comes as demand and interest in the WNBA have been increasing, thanks in part to the popularity of women’s college basketball stars like Clark and Angel Reese.
The announcement of the WNBA’s decision to charter flights comes as other major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, and MLB already utilize charter flights for their teams. USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan raised the question “Why now?” on social media, attributing the decision to the league’s growth in interest and business prospects, as well as anticipated revenue from future media deals. Additionally, ESPN revealed that the first two games of the WNBA season, including Clark’s regular season debut, will be aired live on Disney+. This marks the first time the opening night doubleheader will be available on Disney+, ESPN2, and ESPN+.
Leading up to the start of its regular season, the WNBA has observed a surge in demand and ticket sales, with StubHub reporting a 93% increase compared to last year. This growth mirrors the increased interest in women’s college basketball, which saw a peak this season when the women’s national championship game garnered more viewers than the men’s for the first time. Before expanding its charter flight policy to include certain regular season back-to-back games last year, the WNBA only chartered flights for playoff games. Despite having lower revenue and salaries than the NBA, the WNBA reportedly spent approximately $4 million on chartered flights last year for post-season and back-to-back regular season games. This shift in travel arrangements may pose an adjustment for players like Clark, who primarily flew charter while in college but are now transitioning to commercial flights.
Overall, the WNBA’s decision to implement charter flights for all teams signifies a significant step towards enhancing player safety, comfort, and overall experience within the league. As the demand for women’s basketball continues to grow, particularly with the rise of college basketball stars transitioning to the professional level, the WNBA is prioritizing the well-being and convenience of its athletes. This strategic move not only aligns the league with other major sports organizations but also reflects a commitment to providing top-notch resources and accommodations for its players. With the upcoming season set to kick off with heightened excitement and anticipation, the implementation of charter flights marks a pivotal moment in the evolution and expansion of the WNBA.
