Get Charter: WNBA Upgrades Player Travel To Address Safety, Health Concerns
Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 03:08PM NYSJ Sports-Entertainment Business News Service
May 9, 2024: After years of players lobbying to put the plan into action, the WNBA today officially said a full league-wide charter program would be phased in beginning with the start of the 2024 regular season.
The league said this initiative “marks a significant milestone in the WNBA’s history and is a result of the successful execution of the league’s strategic business transformation over the past few years.”
The program will be primarily operated by Delta Air Lines division Delta Charters.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of a full charter program as soon as practical for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, a testament to the continued growth of the WNBA,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said via the league.
“We have been hard at work to transform the business and build a sustainable economic model to support charter flights for the long term.”
According to its Web site, "Whether you are looking to transport a professional or collegiate sports team, a group of business professionals or a VIP band tour, Delta Charters can exceed your needs.'
The WNBA said it would commit $50 million over the next two years to provide full-time charter flight service for its teams during the season, according to Engelbert,
“While we still have a lot of work to do to continue to execute our strategic plan, we feel confident that the time is now to institute a full charter program to demonstrate our commitment to leading with a player-first agenda,” said the commissioner.
The WNBA previously unveiled plans to pay for charter flights, as it did last season, for the playoffs, as well as for back-to-back games during the 2024 season.
Players and the WNBPA for years have said using charter flights would address safety concerns, provide better travel conditions and address player health.
“I am thrilled to see a significant change in policy that will permit and provide charter travel across all teams throughout the 2024 season and going forward,” Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm forward and WNBPA president said via the league.
“On behalf of the players, I express my appreciation and support for a bold move by the Commissioner and team governors that in turn shows that they understand and value the health and safety of the players. It is time to be transformational. It’s time to bet on women.”
“It’s exciting to add the WNBA to our prestigious roster of sports charter partners as we participate in this historic advancement in women’s professional sports,” Ed Bastian, Delta Air Lines CEO, said via the carrier.
“We’re looking forward to providing the WNBA with the welcoming, caring and elevated service that Delta people have made famous.”
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