After years of the way teams travel being a hot topic surrounding the WNBA, the first year of the charter flight program has relatively been a success as the league has entered a multi-year agreement with Delta Air Lines.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!On May 7, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert originally announced the creation of the charter flight program, which will cost nearly $25 million per year for this season and in 2025.
Fast forwarding to now, Delta stated that the deal has been expanded and it will carry flights for all 12 teams in the league throughout the regular season and playoffs as a result of being the official airline partner of the WNBA.
“We’re proud to partner with the WNBA, where every game is a testament to our shared values of teamwork and perseverance,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement by Delta. “We look forward to serving these incredible athletes on their journeys and furthering Delta’s support of women’s athletics.”
Over the years, multiple players have voiced their opinions on flying commercially and the potential security risks that come along with it. Teams have needed bodyguards, have to go through the airport like the rest of the public and face interactions with people that could present unwanted altercations.
Following her detainment in Russia, Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner was confronted by YouTube personality Alex Stein who berated her with harsh comments last season in Dallas, forcing the WNBA to conduct a review of the incident and change safety procedures.
With the league locking up this new deal with a well-known airline like Delta, however, there will be adjustments made to guarantee safe travels for the teams and incidents like what Griner had to go through will never happen again.
“As an airline partner of the WNBA, this partnership not only elevates the travel experience for the players, but underscores Delta and the WNBA’s shared dedication to enhancing the growth and visibility of women’s sports,” Engelbert said in the statement.
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers ASU Athletics, the Phoenix Mercury and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
