• Loading stock data...
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

WNBA Commissioner Doubles Down on No-Charter Flight Policy

  • The lack of access to charter flights for WNBA players has long been a league controversy.
  • In an interview with ESPN, commissioner Cathy Engelbert doubled down on the league’s stance on charter flights.
(WNBA-Cathy-Engelbert)
Brad Mills-USA TODAY/Design: Alex Brooks

The lack of access to charter flights for WNBA players has long been a league controversy. Players from Liz Cambage to Sabrina Ionescu have voiced frustration about squeezing in cramped seats and facing delays and cancellations during tight game schedules.

Last week, the controversy reached a crescendo when a bombshell Sports Illustrated report revealed that the WNBA fined the New York Liberty $500,000 for providing charter flights to players — and considered shutting down the team.

In an interview with ESPN, commissioner Cathy Engelbert doubled down on the league’s stance, saying it could not afford to fund charter flights:

  • “It would be more than $20 million a year to fund charter flights for an entire WNBA season,” Engelbert said.
  • The only way the league could afford charter flights now is if “sponsors or supporters” agreed to fund them.

When the league announced a $75 million capital raise last month, Engelbert similarly told reporters the money wouldn’t fund charter flights.

Liberty’s Flights Grounded

The league sanctioned the Liberty because it technically violated the WNBA’s CBA by providing flights, per SI.

Liberty owner Joe Tsai allegedly presented a proposal to get charter flights for all teams, though the WNBA denied the proposal had ever been made.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Columbia, SC - February 16, 2025 - Colonial Life Arena: Rebecca Lobo and Ryan Ruocco during a regular season game.

Inside Ryan Ruocco’s Rapid Rise to ESPN’s Top Voice of Women’s Hoops

The top voice became “quickly addicted” to calling the women’s game.
Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Chris Youngblood (8) and the Alabama Crimson Tide bench celebrate during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.

How Alabama Became College Basketball’s Newest Juggernaut

The Crimson Tide have found success rivaling their historic football program.

UFL Kicking Off 2025 Season With Labor Fight Still Simmering

The league’s first game is still on, even without a labor deal in place.
Paige Bueckers

Paige Bueckers Says She Will Enter 2025 WNBA Draft

The move shoots down some rumors while inviting others.

Featured Today

Kendall Coyne Schofield

Kendall Coyne Schofield Wants More for the Next Wave of Mom-Athletes

The Walter Cup–winning Frost captain says small changes mean “everything.”
Dec 21, 2024; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks to pass the ball against USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) in the first half at XL Center.
March 23, 2025

‘More Value to Be Had’: Were Women’s March Madness Media Rights Undersold?

Could the NCAA have gotten millions more in its latest TV deal?
Mar 20, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Jasen Green (0) dunks the ball during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena
March 22, 2025

Basketball-Only Schools Could See Power Surge After House Settlement Approval 

Football teams might monopolize the revenue-sharing dollars at power conference schools.
Mar 15, 2025; New York, NY, USA; St. John's Red Storm guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) after hitting a three-point basket against the Creighton Bluejays in the second half at Madison Square Garden.
March 20, 2025

Perfect Storm: St. John’s Biggest Fans Can’t Bet on the School

In the No. 1 sports betting market, the Red Storm are off-limits.

Tennis Turmoil: Grand Slams Reject Tours’ Proposal Amid Pay Dispute

The Grand Slams wish to create a “premium tour.”
March 19, 2025

A March Madness Ratings Resurgence May Depend on Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
March 21, 2025

Blue Jays CEO Says Guerrero Not Ohtani, but Confident He’ll Sign

Blue Jays CEO Mark Shapiro is optimistic about keeping the superstar.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
March 19, 2025

Pentagon Deletes, Then Restores Jackie Robinson Page Amid DEI Purge

A government spokesperson cited DEI before the page was restored.
Apr 14, 2024; Augusta, Georgia, USA; 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm places the green jacket on 2024 Masters champion Scottie Scheffler during the green jacket ceremony following the final round of the Masters Tournament.
March 19, 2025

Scottie Scheffler Blames LIV for Golf’s Ongoing Schism: ‘Go Ask Those Guys’

The defending Masters champion misses competing with top LIV players.
Asinga
March 18, 2025

Coach of Teen Sprinter Who Sued Gatorade Suspended in Doping Case

Asinga’s case against Gatorade may have just hit a major obstacle.
March 17, 2025

NFL Non-QB Salary Record Broken for 3rd Time This Month. Who’s Next?

The top of the pay scale is shifting faster than ever.