On Thursday, passengers were sharing a daily Clark-Indiana Fever commercial flight. The WNBA relies heavily on commercial flights for away games during the season.
DALLAS, Texas — On Thursday, Caitlin Clark experienced firsthand what WNBA players and allies have long complained about: sharing airspace to and from contests with the general public.
She and her Indiana Fever teammates arrived at DFW International Airport late Thursday afternoon ahead of a sold-out preseason game against the Dallas Wings.
Even though Clark signed a reported $28 million sponsorship deal with Nike, went No. 1 in the WNBA draft, and just became the NCAA's all-time leading scorer in college basketball with 3,685 career points, she still didn't get on the plane. There will be commercials for most of the season.
The WNBA relies heavily on commercial flights to transport teams to and from away games during the season. In fact, the collective bargaining agreement with the players' association prohibits the use of chartered or private flights except during the postseason or for select regular season games where teams play back-to-back games.
WNBA or Women's national basketball player association The contract can be canceled next year.
The league's commissioner previously said the league doesn't have enough capital for each team to fly privately and that the WNBA sees it as a competitive advantage, so teams are not allowed to fund their own flights. He said he was being hindered.
WFAA was in the terminal when Clark landed. She was surrounded by her teammates, who increased her security. This is likely the first time Clark has flown to a basketball game since his rise to prominence as a player. Her college team, Iowa State, used a chartered flight for her trip.
The Fever has publicly announced that they are increasing security around Clark as she travels to and from airports throughout the season.
Clark did not appear on WFAA's cameras at the airport, but did address the matter in a press conference before leaving Indianapolis.
“It's going to be an adjustment, but that's the reality. Everyone always says they want to take a charter flight. That would solve a lot of problems, but I think the Fever organization did a good job.” is accompanied by many security guards, but it's not like we're the weirdos here. Although everyone will have to overcome this situation and as the popularity continues to grow, there will be some problems. At the same time, it's a positive thing because we want people to be excited about our game. ”
People were excited to meet Clark. Passengers coming off the plane told WFAA how cool it was to walk down the aisle before takeoff.
“I was in the aisle and she was in my row window,” passenger John Lawrence said. “My son-in-law is a huge basketball fan and would be excited and jealous to see her on her flight.”
Stephanie Webb, Keller's club basketball coach, saw Clark doing some promotional work over dinner in downtown Indianapolis.
“I told my husband I thought she was tailing me!” Webb said with a laugh. “She shined a light on this sport. Little girls want to play more because she's playing.”
The Dallas Wings told WFAA they have the same security as usual at each game, but the Fever announced they will increase on-court security.
