Caitlin Clark — and Indiana Fever — are flying high!
Ahead of the regular season, WNBA rookie and Fever players and staff celebrated the league’s recent rule change, which now allows teams to use charter flights for away games.
On Monday, May 13, Fever guard Erica Wheeler shared a look at what the new travel arrangements look like in a fun post on her Instagram Stories.
As Wheeler made her way through the cabin, the WNBA’s No. 1 draft pick greeted her as she looked relaxed in her seat at the front of the plane, wearing headphones and a comfortable cream Nike sweatpants.
WNBA to start flying players via charter plane as Caitlin Clark, Brittney Griner have airport congestion
The WNBA veteran continued down the aisle on the plane, where other players greeted Wheeler and were seen seemingly enjoying the increased legroom as well as snacks.
“We’re on a charter,” said Wheeler, 33. “This is beautiful, baby!”
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On Tuesday, May 14, the team ends its season against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena.
With newfound attention on women’s sports and the influence of Clark — and other college stars like Angel Reese — the WNBA announced last week that it would begin using charters to transport teams to road games.
“We intend to fund a full-time contract for this season,” WNBA President Cathy Engelbert told reporters on Tuesday, May 7, according to the Associated Press.
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Engelbert added that the change in air traffic will happen “as soon as we can put planes in certain places.”
The switch from the WNBA’s 12 teams flying commercial flights to using charters will cost the league about $25 million per season over the next two years, ESPN reported.
As the season begins, most of the league has yet to enjoy the benefits of private flying.
New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart shared her frustration on X on Monday.
“2 of the 5 WNBA teams traveling today are WNBA charters – and that’s a win. It could be even bigger if the W allowed teams not offered League charters to secure theirs until a full 12-team solution is ready… #1 trip of the season – charter bus,” Stewart wrote with a bus emoji.
The team traveled to Washington, DC to take on the Mystics on Tuesday.
The Minnesota Lynx were the second team to fly a charter plane to their first regular season game against the Seattle Storm.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education