Achi news desk-
The WNBA will use charter flights for the entire league for the first time this season, the league announced Thursday.
The charters will begin at the beginning of the regular season.
“We are excited to announce the launch of a full charter program as soon as possible for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, a testament to the continued growth of the WNBA,” Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.
“We have worked hard to transform the business and build a sustainable economic model to support long-haul charter flights.
“While we still have much work to do to continue to execute on our strategic plan, we feel confident that the time has come to establish a full charter program to demonstrate our commitment to leading with a player-first agenda,” she said.
Among other things, players said using chartered flights would address years of safety concerns. That means no more long security lines, bodyguards in public spaces, tight legroom or layovers for the professional athletes who have been pushing for better travel long before Caitlin Clark helped drum up interest in the league.
Delta will be the main provider of the charters.
Seattle Storm forward Neka Ogwemika said the move was a big step forward.
“On behalf of the players, I express my appreciation and support for a bold move by the commissioner and the team governors, which in turn shows that they understand and value the health and safety of the players. It’s time to make a change. It’s time to bet on women,” she said.
The WNBA’s 28th season kicks off on Tuesday.
