The GIST: The upcoming WNBA season is highly anticipated and is set to begin in six days. The league is already creating buzz as they prepare for the regular-season tip-off next week. Get ready for takeoff.
✈️ Charter flights incoming: WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced yesterday that the W is planning to establish a full-time charter flight program for the teams as early as this season, once the league finalizes the arrangements for the planes. The $25M investment over two seasons has been a long-awaited move and will allow all 12 teams to travel privately to every game, enhancing player safety and comfort as the league’s popularity continues to rise. They’re on cloud nine.
📺 Opening day on Disney+: Following the huge viewership numbers from the recent preseason WNBA Canada Game, the doubleheader season tip-off next Tuesday will be broadcast on Disney+, marking the first time WNBA games will be shown on the platform. The opening games will feature Caitlin Clark’s debut with the Indiana Fever. Starting them young.
👀 Training camp updates: NCAA tournament Final Four MVP Kamilla Cardoso is sidelined for four to six weeks due to a shoulder injury, which is a setback for the Chicago Sky’s rebuilding process as the talented rookie might miss a significant portion of their 40 games this season.
⬆️ LA Sparks’ venue upgrade and seating capacity boost: The LA Sparks have moved three of their regular-season home games to Crypto.com Arena, the home of the LA Lakers and Clippers. This relocation increases the potential seating capacity to 19K fans, a significant jump from the 4K capacity at the team’s usual home court. The PWHL’s influence is evident.
