WNBA Announces Charter Flights Program For 2024, 2025 Seasons

No extra flying with the normies for the WNBA — the league simply introduced it is going to present full-time constitution flights for all 12 groups beginning this season.

The information comes weeks after WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert revealed the league was on the verge of launching a program so gamers may journey extra privately and comfortably.

Now, it is formally official.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of a full charter program as soon as practical for 2024 and 2025 seasons, a testament to the continued growth of the WNBA,” Engelbert mentioned on Thursday.

“We have been hard at work to transform the business and build a sustainable economic model to support charter flights for the long term.”

The flights shall be primarily with Delta … and the airline firm’s CEO, Ed Bastian, is worked up to make it occur for the gamers.

“We’re looking forward to providing the WNBA with the welcoming, caring and elevated service that Delta people have made famous,” Bastian mentioned.

It is no secret WNBA athletes had been pissed about flying business for years … and have voiced their considerations about public transportation — most just lately, final season when Brittney Griner was harassed on the Dallas-Fort Value Worldwide Airport.

Skylar Diggins-Smith — who signed a 2-year cope with the Seattle Storm — additionally known as out the WNBA in 2022 for lack of safety and back-to-back video games on business flights.

Seattle Storm ahead and WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike was thrilled with the announcement … saying, “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.”

Engelbert has mentioned that income was why the WNBA groups didn’t have constitution flights … however the league used $75 million in capital to assist develop the league’s following.

On prime of that, there’s an enormous curiosity within the stars of the rookie class, together with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, so the cash is anticipated to maintain piling in over the following few years.

Tv views, jersey gross sales and ticket purchases have surged earlier than this season. Actually, StubHub reported a 93% improve in WNBA gross sales in comparison with final 12 months.