Often athletes are required to travel across the country for games and matches. While most teams or players are provided world-class facilities and the luxury of a private jet, the same cannot be said for WNBA stars. In contrast to NBA players, WNBA players have no option of traveling by charter flights and are instead required to travel on commercial flights. However, that might soon change following a particular set of safety measures concerning Phoenix Mercury star?Brittney Griner.

Brittney Griner spent over 10 months in Russian custody after she was detained for possessing vape pens containing hashish oil. She was finally released in December as part of the prison swap program. Griner was released by Russia in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout.

New changes might be implemented following Brittney Griner’s return

Traveling in charter flights reportedly came up after speculations regarding?Brittney Griner’s security concerns?became a topic of discussion in the league.?Based on what Vince Kozar told?Insider, Griner was heavily criticized by many and was ‘used’ as a reason to cause division among people. As per sources, several assumptions were being made about Griner, indicating that she might be given the facility of flying privately. However, if the league was to provide any such facility to Griner, it would be unfair to others. Therefore, they would need to do the same for her Mercury teammates and the rest of the league.

According to the 2020 WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, players are entitled to travel in a premium economy. However, such facilities can only be provided for private flights. Using chartered flights for travel purposes in the league is strictly prohibited. This is why several teams have been punished for breaking the rule.

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However, Griner’s safety is a priority in the aftermath of her detention in Russia. Therefore, the league might consider making some changes for the players’ sake.

Breanna Stewart willing to lend help for players’ safety

Former Seattle Storm star Breanna Stewart recently raised health and safety concerns regarding WNBA players. The 28-year-old forward star took to Twitter on January 22 and expressed her wish to provide financial help so that the players can travel privately.

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She wrote that she wanted to ‘ensure we all travel in a way that prioritizes player health + safety, which ultimately results in a better product’.