WNBA Bumpy Rollout of Charter Flight Program Draws Player Criticism

The WNBA, for the first time in its 28-year history, is rolling out league-wide charter flights for all 12 teams. This program, set to be fully implemented one week into the regular season, is a significant step forward but has faced criticism from players over its execution.

“The decision to implement charters is not only the right thing to do, but it is also right for the business because it demonstrates the willingness of management to invest in the players. It’s both,” said Terri Jackson, executive director of the WNBPA, in an email to CBS Sports. “And ‘competitive advantage’ had nothing to do with it.”

Despite being a long-standing demand, particularly emphasized during the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, the actual rollout has been fraught with issues. Responses from the WNBA, players, team representatives, and the players association reveal a mix of relief and frustration.

Previously, charter flights were prohibited as they were seen as an unfair competitive advantage and too costly for league-wide implementation. The current CBA mandates that all teams travel in premium economy or similar enhanced coach fare.

Charter Flights are given to teams with long/conplicated travel … before May 21st …

We leave May 20th for LA….. but we are not flying charter …

DC to LA 5+hr flight
Indy to Conn 1.5+ hr flight

No shade , just really interested for the reasoning @WNBA @CathyEngelbert 😊

— Brittney Sykes (@BrittBundlez) May 18, 2024

Although the new CBA brought several improvements, better travel conditions remained a top priority, along with increased salaries. During negotiations and subsequent off-seasons, players pushed for phased-in charter travel for regular-season games. However, the decision to fully implement the charter program this year came as a surprise to many players.

At the 2024 WNBA Draft, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced an expansion of the charter program for teams playing back-to-back games in the regular season and again in the playoffs. Shortly after, the league stated that the program would begin “as soon as practical” for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

“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,” said WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike in a statement. “It’s time to be transformational. It’s time to bet on women.”

Despite this announcement, only two of the five teams traveling on opening night were granted permission to charter, leading to player dissatisfaction. “It’s tough that the season is starting today, and we’re still trying to figure out those kinks,” said Connecticut Sun guard Dijonai Carrington. “But some teams haven’t figured it out. I don’t know. It’s just not happy about it.”

Players were briefed in a meeting, yet confusion persisted. Teams had to complete a charter request during the final week of the preseason and were informed about their travel status only shortly before the season started. The WNBA stated it expected “all teams flying charter by May 21,” but did not specify how many teams had chartered flights before the full rollout.

At least two teams, Indiana and Minnesota, traveled by charter within the first week. However, the hurried logistics and lack of clear communication left players questioning the prioritization of teams for charter travel.

Part of the rollout confusion may stem from the program being implemented without formal amendments to the existing CBA. Historically, teams faced fines for using charters, as with the New York Liberty, who were penalized for chartering flights in 2022.

“Travel is a CBA matter, and this new change will need to be formalized in writing as a side-letter agreement with the union,” Jackson explained. “Corresponding policies and procedures will also need to be in writing and disseminated so that everyone knows what to expect and when.”

Players are also puzzled as to why charters were previously considered an unfair advantage but are now being rolled out mid-season without amendment. Despite a league town hall, players like Carrington still have unresolved questions.

Currently, the league is handling the charter program, but it may eventually fall under team responsibilities. “Over the years, we have heard from staff members on more than a few teams that team travel should be managed at the team level,” Jackson noted.

While the charter flight program had a rocky start, it is seen as a positive step towards player safety and league growth. “We’ve been working on this for four years, trying to build a long-term, sustainable economic model to fund it,” Engelbert said. “Now is the time to do it. We’re so proud that we’re able to do it for the players.”

The WNBA has seen record ratings, increased revenue, and rising attendance, suggesting a promising future. Both the league and the players’ association have until November to opt out of the current CBA, and players, led by 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart, hope for further negotiations to increase salaries alongside improved travel.

“Now that the commissioner has addressed travel concerns, we are hopeful that the league and the teams will meet us at the negotiating table prepared for transformational change,” Jackson said.