First class

The GIST: The WNBA is finally ready for takeoff. On Monday, the league expanded its relationship with Delta Airlines through a pivotal multiyear partnership that will ensure charter flights for all 12 teams. This move proves once again that league partners have the power to close the gap for players sooner rather than later.

The details: Delta is now the official carrier for all W teams through the regular season and playoffs, building on the airline’s existing role as the WNBA’s charter flight operator. The partnership fares well for the U.S. airline, which boasts hubs in WNBA cities like NYC, LA, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Seattle. It’s even better for players, who are finally able to hop off the struggle bus.

The context: The WNBA has experienced some turbulence in its years-long charter flight rollout. Players have long complained about flying commercial — something comparable men’s leagues avoid for safety, security, and comfort. W teams have even been punished for financing charter flights on their own, like the NY Liberty in 2022.

• That same year, the WNBA began to trickle in charter flights, but only for WNBA Finals teams. By 2023, the league covered flights for all playoff teams and granted exclusive charter flights for Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner midseason.

The landscape: The WNBA isn’t the only women’s sports league looking to secure better travel options. The NWSLPA has also campaigned for charter flights, and although the NWSL has yet to make any official commitment, Delta is the league’s official travel partner.

• Charter flights have been notoriously hard to land, even with intentional leagues like the PWHL. While the pro women’s hockey league secured an Air Canada partnership to support travel for all six teams before its January puck drop, Minnesota players encountered travel delays during the semifinals, which led to charter for teams going to and from Minnesota.

Zooming out: If Delta hadn’t swooped in, the WNBA would have likely taken more time to implement this league-wide. Stepping up for equality keeps the post-Olympic glow on Team USA’s airline, which has touted its sponsorship of LPGA golfers and Olympians in the past.

• Uplifting WNBA athletes as airline brand ambassadors may be the next step, especially since the NIL space could soon be crowded with such deals — and rookies may begin entering the league with them. On the right (flight) path.

Championing mentorship, investment, and allyship — all keys to a thriving women’s sports landscape and the focus of the third annual UNMATCHED: Gender Equity in Sports Conference, presented by Tennis Canada and National Bank and hosted by sportscaster (and friend of The GIST) Hazel Mae last week.

• Over 550 participants made this year’s edition the most successful yet…and not only because of keynote speaker Venus Williams’ moving, inspirational address.

• The positive, collaborative energy was, ahem, unmatched, so if you want to join the party in 2025, check out Tennis Canada’s website and sign up to be notified as soon as tickets become available. . Love means nothing on the court — but here, it means everything.