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.
