WNBA slightly walks back charter flight promise for all postseason games in memo – Yahoo New Zealand News

The WNBA made a step forward this season when it comes to the charter flights its players desire, allowing private planes for the playoffs and back-to-back games.
The asterisk was revealed Wednesday.
In a memo obtained by The Next's Howard Megdal, the WNBA told teams this week that some of them actually won't be able to use charter flights for all their postseason travel. As the league explained it, teams who win a series on the road and have their next series begin on the road will be allowed only one charter flight between cities.
Basically, some teams will have to choose between flying directly from one road series to the other with no trip home, or taking one commercial flight in addition to their charter flight.
Here's how the WNBA memo laid it out:
“Between rounds, Teams will have the option to charter from the home market or directly to Game 1 of the following round (only one route permitted, not both). Therefore, teams will need to plan their own commercial flight)s) if and when necessary, depending on their choice.”
“Example hypothetical scenario: if a Team wins Rd 1 in a sweep, and they have a week before their next game. Under the above scenario, the team is only granted 1 charter (either from Rd 1 city to home OR home to Semis OR Rd 1 city to Semis Game 1 city.) Therefore, this choice could result in a route being commercial (which would be reimbursed per Playoff reimbursement policy).”
The WNBA has taken steps forward this year when it comes to the one thing its players are constantly pushing for, but they have not been full steps. Teams were allowed to book charter flights, as long as it was through one specific company open to the public. Brittney Griner apparently had the green light to fly charter, but somehow got harassed while flying commercial out of Dallas.
And now the promise for postseason charter flights, which commissioner Cathy Engelbert said would cover "the full playoffs" is getting slightly walked back.
Predictably many in the WNBA didn't take the news well, as you can see in the collection of quotes from The Next:
“Doesn’t make sense! Really?!?”
“You came out and said you were going to have charter travel for the playoffs,” one aggravated team official told The Next. “Now you say, charters, with asterisks, unless this happens.”
“Full playoffs should mean there are no commercial flights,” another team official told The Next. “No ‘fine print.’ I couldn’t believe it when I read the memo. A bunch of stipulations.”
“You’re trying to do the whole thing,” another team official said to The Next. “Go all the way!”
We'll see if the WNBA changes course any time soon.
Swedish golfer Ludvig Aberg, who only turned professional in June, has been chosen as one of Europe captain Luke Donald's wild cards for this month's Ryder Cup.
There were scenes of jubilation in Gabon as the leader of the military junta that wrested power from the Bongo dynasty was sworn in as interim president.
Penrith winger Brian To'o and Cronulla fullback Emma Tonegato have been named NSW's players of the year in the men's and women's State of Origin series losses.
It is hoped the meeting between the Turkish and Russian heads of state will result in new life being breathed into the crucial Black Sea grain deal.
While Port Adelaide had some good news, key forward Charlie Dixon has been ruled out of the Gabba qualifying final against Brisbane.
Defender Daniel Rich will retire at the end of Brisbane's finals campaign, ending his 275-game AFL career after only managing seven matches this season.
St Kilda key forward Max King says his body is in good shape as he prepares for an elimination final against GWS at the MCG.
China's President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden will no longer meet at the G20 because Premier Li Qiang is to lead the Chinese delegation.
Sato Kilman has been elected Vanuatu's prime minister in a secret ballot – it will be his fifth time in the job.
Adam Reynolds has asked if those who questioned his longevity would have changed their stance after he helped Brisbane to the finals and NRL's top two.
Anthony Albanese will embark on a week-long visit to Asia ahead of critical talks with world leaders at the ASEAN and G20 summits.
Iga Swiatek's US Open defence and world No.1 reign has come to an end after losing to Latvia's former French Open champ Jelena Ostapenko at Flushing Meadows.
Michael Zanco was shot in the head minutes after Nathan Caulfield, Trent Dyhrberg and Kalabe Saurine arrived at his rural residence, a court has been told.
The foreign affairs department says it has robust procedures in place to protect against corruption stemming from aid as the Ukrainian defence minister resigns.
Penrith are just as hungry as in the past and even more experienced as they launch their final assault at a historic third straight NRL premiership.
Andrew Abdo insists there is no need for the NRL to move finals matches to bigger stadiums, despite fans being locked out of sold-out suburban grounds.
Africa contribute only three per cent of global carbon emissions, according to UN data, but are increasingly exposed to the impact of extreme weather.
As the Liberals and Labor step up the stoush over the structure of the voice referendum, a key 'yes' advocate says it's not time for partisanship.
Nick Daicos will cool his heels for at least another week after Collingwood coach Craig McRae ruled him out of the AFL qualifying final against Melbourne.
High-profile surgeon Munjed Al Muderis has sued Nine over stories claiming he was negligent towards patients who received his prosthetic limb implants.

source