PALMETTO, FLORIDA – AUGUST 29: A basketball sits near the WNBA logo during a timeout of a game … [+]
A plan is officially in place to launch a regular season charter flight program for WNBA teams, the league announced on Thursday. WNBA commissioner Kathy Englebert said in a statement, “we are thrilled to announce the launch of a full charter program as soon as practical for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, a testament to the continued growth of the WNBA.”
Chartered flights will undoubtedly enhance player safety and well-being, with, WNBPA President and Seattle Storm player, Nneka Ogwumike noting, “on behalf of the players, I express my appreciation and support for a bold move by the Commissioner and team governors that in turn shows that they understand and value the health and safety of the players. It is time to be transformational. It’s time to bet on women.”
Concerns regarding player safety during commercial flights have been raised for years, but the experiences of players, notably, Brittney Griner, who was harassed at a Dallas Airport last season, speak to the critical need for these changes.
More recently, Caitlin Clark was also bombarded at a Dallas airport, following the Fever’s arrival for a preseason game against the Dallas Wings. This occurrence was concerning, and suggested there would be continued safety issues throughout the WNBA regular season.
The program will be phased in during the 2024 regular season, but it remains unclear how quickly a charter program will be implemented consistently for all WNBA teams. According to the release, “this groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in the WNBA’s history and is a result of the successful execution of the league’s strategic business transformation over the past few years.”
Many folks credit “The Caitlin Clark Effect” on women’s basketball for the sudden shift in priorities, but WNBA players have been working towards this moment for many years.
