The new reality of the Phoenix Mercury Center is forcing the league to rethink its charter aircraft strategy.
By Stephanie Holland
After being unjustly detained in Russia for the majority of 2022, WNBA star Brittney Griner is eager to return to her normal life, which includes basketball. Following her release in December as a result of a prisoner exchange, the Phoenix Mercury centre made it plain that her tenure on the court was far from over. “I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon,” Griner wrote in a December Instagram post.
However, it appears that Griner’s trip plans will not go as planned. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, “the assumption that Phoenix Mercury centre Brittney Griner will need to fly privately due to security concerns” has resurfaced as a major topic of discussion for the league.
Because of her time in jail in Russia, it is believed that the two-time Olympic gold winner will be unable to fly on commercial flights due to security fears. The eight-time all-star could travel personally by herself, or the Mercury could charter private flights, a decision that would have repercussions for the entire league. It is not fair to the other teams who must still use commercial aircraft if one squad is allowed to fly privately.
In 2022, New York Liberty owner Joe Tsai was penalised $500,000 for using charter aircraft during the second half of the 2021 WNBA season, raising the question of fairness. Players can reserve Economy Plus or Comfort tickets under the 2020 collective labour agreement. That appears to be very comfy for a 6-foot-9 elite athlete.
Charter travel has been a contentious issue for the league. Several teams have been impacted by cancelled flights and journey disruptions in recent years. Yes, we’ve all had travel nightmares, but no one expects you to fight against the greatest basketball players in the world after your aircraft is delayed and you spend the night in the airport. And, contrary to popular belief, COVID is still a problem. When the league experienced a spike in cases last season, players put it on business travel.
Breanna Stewart, the most high-profile free agent in the 2023 offseason, has made charter trips a priority in her talks and discussions with potential teams. “I would love to be part of a deal that helps subsidise charter travel for the entire WNBA,” the four-time WNBA all-star tweeted on Sunday. I would donate my NIL, posts, and production hours to ensure that we all journey in a manner that prioritises player health and safety, resulting in a superior product.” Several WNBA stars, including Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, Natalie Achonwa, and Layshia Clarendon, responded to her message with an emoji of a person lifting their hand.
While it appears that these athletes must make arrangements to pay for accommodations that should be handled by the teams or league, it appears that this is the only way they can be regarded as professionals.
“If we could get it sponsored or funded in some way…,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert previously told ESPN. I’m ready to listen. Since we returned to our 12 areas last year, I’ve received numerous inquiries about this. Then, once they’ve decided on a figure, you never hear from them again.”
The WNBA’s use of charter flights has been a continuing problem, and no remedy appears to be on the horizon. If delays, COVID, and teams sleeping in the airport didn’t solve the issue, I doubt Brittney Griner’s increased security worries will.