WNBA secures multi-year deal with $25,750,000,000 airline, covering teams’ travel for regular season and playoffs

WNBA secures multi-year deal with $25,750,000,000 airline, covering teams’ travel for regular season and playoffs [Credit: Getty]

This has been an amazing year for the WNBA. After securing a multi-billion-dollar TV deal, the league has more great news that shows the growth that the league is going through. On Monday, the league updated that it reportedly signed a new deal with an airline company.

As per the announcement on X, $25,750,000,000 Delta Air Lines (per Forbes) will be the official airline partner of the league. The new deal is an extension of the deal that Delta Air Lines signed with the league earlier this season, which was limited to the 2024 season.

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In her statement, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert said that the partnership will improve players’ travel experience.

“Delta Air Lines shares the league’s commitment to excellence and innovation and is a dedicated partner in the work to uplift and empower women’s sports,” said Engelbert. “As an airline partner of the WNBA, this partnership not only elevates the travel experience for the players but also underscores Delta and the WNBA’s shared dedication to enhancing the growth and visibility of women’s sports.

“With Delta’s support, we are eager to bring the WNBA to new heights and connect with fans in meaningful ways.”

This is the first time that the league has signed a multi-year deal with an airline. Earlier this year, on behalf of the women’s league, the NBA signed a $2.2 billion, multi-year media deal with Amazon, NBC and ESPN.

Details about the WNBA’s new multi-year airline deal

According to the league, Delta Air Lines has carried 75 championship teams across all sports, the most recent being the defending champions Las Vegas Aces.

Last season, the airline flew all eight postseason teams from the league throughout the regular season. The previous deal that the league signed with the airline flew players throughout the season.

According to the multi-year deal with the airline, Delta Air Lines will have the opportunity to capture and document stories related to the travel of the players.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said in his statement that the league and Delta Air Lines share the same values.

“We’re proud to partner with the WNBA, where every game is a testament to our shared values of teamwork and perseverance,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “We look forward to serving these incredible athletes on their journeys and furthering Delta’s support of women’s athletics.”

The new deal will fly all players of the 12 teams in the league throughout the regular season. Moreover, it will also fly all players of the teams qualifying for the postseason.