• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 17, 2025

WNBA Expands Charter Flight Program for 2023 Season

  • The program will now include all postseason games, the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship, and select back-to-back regular-season games.
  • In January, many free-agent discussions broached the charter flights topic.
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu points out a play during a WNBA game.
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

As women’s basketball continues to gain momentum, the WNBA is making strides to improve its issues with travel accommodations for players.

Ahead of the WNBA Draft on Monday, the league announced that it will expand its charter flights program for the 2023 season.

The program will now include charter flights for all postseason games, the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship Game, and select back-to-back scenarios in regular-season games.

The league had previously only allowed charter flights for the WNBA Finals, the Commissioner’s Cup Championship, and in specific, special circumstances.

“Since joining the league a few years ago, a goal of mine has been to enhance the overall player experience and, in that regard, make incremental improvements where we are able to do so and when we believe the economic model would support it for the long term,” said WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “I’m pleased that we are able to broaden the program this year for the players.”

South Carolina Gamecocks forward Aliyah Boston (4) drives to the basket against the Maryland Terrapins during the second half at the NCAA Women's Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

WNBA Draft a Major Moment in League’s Growth Trajectory

WNBA eligibility rules prevent certain college stars from entering tonight’s draft.
April 10, 2023

Private air travel has been a hot-button issue for the WNBA in recent years — most recently in January, when many free-agent discussions broached the topic.

It was previously reported that completely chartering flights for the league would cost the league $30 million per season — a figure the league couldn’t afford.

The New York Liberty were fined $500,000 last season for secretly chartering flights against league rules — which dictate that all teams must be able to afford the practice.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Silver: My Comments About Basketball Highlights Were ‘Misconstrued’

The NBA commissioner spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned in summit.
Apr 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) dribbles on New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the second half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.

Adam Silver: NBA’s Problems With Gambling ‘Have Been Predictable’

Silver originally advocated for legalized sports betting in a 2014 op-ed.

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.