WNBA to Start $25M/Year Charter Flights for Teams, Aiming Before 2025 CBA Opt-Out

May 7, 2024, 08:25 PM

The WNBA is set to initiate a full-time charter flight program for all 12 teams starting this season, as announced by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. This decision, driven by the league's growing popularity and anticipated future revenues, aims to alleviate the challenges of commercial travel faced by players, including issues highlighted by incidents like Caitlin Clark traveling commercially. The program, expected to enhance player welfare and operational efficiency ahead of the presumed CBA opt-out in 2025, will cost the league approximately $25 million annually for the next two years. Engelbert emphasized the urgency of the implementation, stating the program will commence 'as soon as we can get planes in places.'