Overview

• WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the league will start chartering flights for all teams, costing about $25 million annually for the next two seasons.
• The move follows incidents of player harassment and the logistical challenges of commercial travel, spotlighting the need for enhanced security and comfort.
• Rising stars like Caitlin Clark have amplified the league's profile, contributing to a surge in demand and scrutiny of the WNBA's operations.
• Charter flights are expected to improve player recovery times and overall performance by alleviating travel-related stress and scheduling issues.
• The policy change, which aligns the WNBA more closely with major men’s leagues, could influence upcoming collective bargaining negotiations.