• Loading stock data...
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

WNBA’s Transition to Charter Flights Has Bumpy Takeoff

  • Not all teams are chartering to their season opener, and communication has been spotty.
  • Players are happy with the decision but question some of the ways it’s been handled.
Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

The WNBA’s transition from commercial to charter flights has begun with some turbulence. 

While teams such as the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx flew private to their season openers in Connecticut and Seattle, respectively, multiple teams remain in the dark as to their own travel schedules in regard to charters with the league kicking off its 28th season on Tuesday. The news was first reported by reported by ESPN. Additionally, teams who are currently chartering, such as the Fever and Lynx, aren’t sure when they will do so again. 

Cathy Engelbert, the league’s commissioner, announced the transition to chartering a week before the season started, which came as both a celebration and a surprise to players around the league. The decision to fly commercial instead of charter has long been contested by the players. In 2022, New York Liberty owner Joe Tsai was fined $500,000 for chartering flights against league rules. Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, the team’s union representative, said there was no call with the WNBPA ahead of Engelbert’s decision, which raised questions about the previous feasibility of it. 

“We’ve been fighting for it for quite some time and the fact that it came out of nowhere proves that we have the money to do it,” Cunningham said last week. “We need to start treating us like the elite athletes that we are. We are grateful that it finally happened.”

Players took to social media to celebrate their first chartering trip. Fever guard Erica Wheeler posted a quick tour of the team’s plane on Instagram ahead of their trip to Connecticut. 

The league’s decision to charter will cost $25 million per year over the next two seasons, the league says. Previously, the WNBA allowed teams to fly charter only in the playoffs and for back-to-backs. 

Terri Jackson, the executive director of the WNBPA, told ESPN that while it’s been a rocky transition so far, it’s preferable to not chartering at all. 

“It’s a good problem to have because we got here and we’re talking about charter travel,” Jackson said. “Now, in this moment, the league has found its pathway to yes. It just seems that the pathway has a few more bumps than perhaps were needed.”

When the chartering decision became official, Engelbert said the transition would take place over the course of the season and not all at once. The opening-day travel itinerary reflects that. According to ESPN, the Liberty bused down to Washington, D.C., for their matchup against the Mystics, and will fly commercially to Indiana for Thursday’s game against the Fever. The Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream both flew commercial to Dallas and Los Angeles, respectively. The Mercury are scheduled to make the short trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas, though it’s unclear how they’re getting there after mainly using public charters during the 2023 season due to security concerns surrounding Brittney Griner, who was playing her first season after being imprisoned in Russia. 

For now, players will continue to celebrate the decision while grappling with its growing pains. The lack of communication from the league prevents teams from altering previously made travel plans, which could result in a lot of wasted money that may have to be refunded. 

Liberty star Breanna Stewart, who is also a vice president on the WNBPA’s executive committee, weighed in on a possible solution for teams until the league figures it out. 

“2 out of 5 WNBA teams traveling today are on WNBA charters – and that’s a win,” Stewart wrote. “It could be a bigger one if the W allowed teams who were not offered League charters to secure their own until a full 12 team solution is ready.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.
exclusive

Ryan Clark Could Be On Thin Ice at ESPN After Second Public..

Clark and Peter Schrager had a tense on-air moment Friday.
Donald Trump

Donald Trump Attending US Open As Rolex Guest

USTA asked broadcasters not to show “disruptions or reactions” to Trump’s attendance.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) and linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) shake hands while leaving the field following the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7

How Ohio State Rebuilt Its NIL Strategy in the Rev-Share Era

The Buckeyes are staying “aggressive” in the new NIL landscape.

Featured Today

Tennis

The US Open Is Groaning Under the Weight of Its Own Success

New York’s tennis major is more popular than ever.
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 5, 2025

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
Valkyries

Valkyries Are Only Latest WNBA Team To Be Displaced in Playoffs

Several important playoff series have been moved over the years.
Walker Cup
September 4, 2025

Prestigious Cypress Point Is Hosting Biggest Golf Event in 35 Years

Fans get a rare glimpse at one of the most exclusive courses.
September 5, 2025

MLB Attendance Is Holding Steady, but Gap Widens Between Teams

Recent attendance data varies widely from market to market.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
September 4, 2025

NBA Hopes Global Format Can Revive 2026 All-Star Game

A new, globally themed format is in development for the midseason showcase.
September 3, 2025

Scheffler, McIlroy, but No LIV at Trump Jupiter Made-for-TV Showcase

The eight-player team showcase will take place Dec. 17 in primetime.
Caitlin Clark
September 3, 2025

Podcast Deletes Episode With Big3 Announcer’s Claim of $15M Caitlin Clark Offer

Clark’s WNBA contract was less than $80,000 in her first season.
September 3, 2025

Barcelona, AC Milan Abroad? Fan Groups Reject Travel Plans

Supporter groups warn of a “Pandora’s box” if overseas games happen.