Wednesday September 27, 2023

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
Front Office Sports Today

Taylor Swift Takes NFL to New Heights

Taylor Swift and her rumored relationship have brought in a new, more female-heavy audience.
Listen Now
September 27, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

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
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Lillard And Giannis Pairing Could Be Big For The NBA, Too

Bucks to be featured on national TV 19 times this season

NHL Backs Unified Women’s League, Though Without Money

Leagues working together on numerous operational components

AAC Commissioner Open To CFP Format Change, Just Not Yet

Mike Aresco is not ready to vote for CFP structure changes.

Will Sports Benefit From New Streaming Alliance?

Advocacy group involves many of sports streaming's largest players
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Taylor Swift Takes NFL to New Heights (w/ Andrew Brandt)

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Taylor Swift at Chiefs vs. Bears game.

Taylor Swift NFL Hype Likely To Continue Another Week

Swift could drive blockbuster TV ratings for NBC's "Sunday Night Football."
September 27, 2023

Magic Johnson Open To Knicks Minority Ownership Stake

Basketball Hall of Famer only interested in specific NBA franchise
Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob walks alone the baseline during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.
September 27, 2023

Warriors Owner Reportedly Adding A Bay Area WNBA Franchise

An official announcement could come as soon as early October.
NFL concussions
September 27, 2023

The NFL’s $1B Battle Over Concussion Settlement Heats Up

The NFL is seeking at least $1.2 billion from its risk carriers.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations

Bay Area WNBA Expansion Latest Step In League Growth

A new team is reportedly coming to the Bay Area.
September 26, 2023

Miami Is A New Soccer Hub With FIFA, Argentina Moves

FIFA is moving 100+ employees to a new South Florida office.
September 26, 2023

NFL's Swift Mania Starting To Show Impact Through Merch Sales, Viewership

Taylor Swift stole the NFL's spotlight by attending Sunday's Chiefs game.
September 25, 2023

NFL Owners' Debt Limit Could Increase To $1.6B

Currently, new NFL owners can use $1 billion of debt.
September 25, 2023

NFL's Next International Goal: Games in Spain, Brazil

A league executive says the games could take place in 2024.
September 25, 2023

LIV, PGA Tour Schedules Likely Clashing Despite PIF Deal

In 2024, LIV is reported to go head-to-head with the PGA Tour.
Chatri Sityodtong
September 25, 2023

ONE Championship's Quest To Challenge Rival UFC Through U.S. Expansion

Leveraging its Amazon deal, ONE Championship seeks to expand in U.S.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.