WNBA expands charter flight program to include all postseason games, select back-to-backs

The WNBA is expanding its charter flight program to include all postseason games, the league announced Monday.

Also, charter flights for teams will be used for the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship game and “select regular season games where teams have back-to-back games on the schedule.”

“We continue the hard work of transforming the business of the league, and the ability to expand this program is a direct result of that,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “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.

“I’m pleased that we are able to broaden the program this year for the players.  As the league continues to grow, we will look to do more in the future.”

This is one of the issues Engelbert has focused on since becoming commissioner in 2019.

Previously, the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement prevented charter flights for teams except for specific, preapproved instances. Last season, the league approved charter flights for the Commissioner’s Cup title and WNBA Finals.

WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Elena Delle Donne and Las Vegas Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon are among those who have called for more widespread use of charter flights.

In 2021, the WNBA fined the New York Liberty $500,000 for the unauthorized use of charter flights.

The 2023 season begins May 19.