The WNBA has announced plans to introduce full-time charter flights for teams starting this season, marking a significant development for the league. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert revealed the league's intention to fund a full-time charter program during a meeting with sports editors. The program is set to launch as soon as planes can be arranged, with an estimated cost of $25 million per year for the next two seasons.
Previously, the WNBA had committed to covering charter flights for the entire playoffs and back-to-back games requiring air travel. With the league's schedule featuring more back-to-back sets this season and a break for the Olympics in late July and early August, the need for reliable air transportation has become more pressing. In 2023, the league spent $4 million on charters.
