After years of discussions, complaints, and suggestions, the WNBA players will now enjoy charter privileges. In a landmark decision, the league’s commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Tuesday announced that the WNBA is willing to spend $50 million in the upcoming two years to ensure full-time charter flight services for each and every team. This step comes just days after the No.1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark faced some security concerns at the Dallas airport. This commitment has received laudatory responses since it’s been made public. The latest ones to rejoice over it are the familiar faces of Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale, center Kalani Brown, and head coach Latricia Trammell.

Recently, they were asked to shed some light on this development. Ogunbowale went first and said, “I’m excited. No more how tall are you at the airport. No more security, none of that. I’m excited. It’s a breath of fresh air. It’s been a long time coming.” However, the talented No.24 was not the only one explicitly elated by this step. She was joined quickly by her teammate and the 6 ft 7 in center Kalani Brown.

Brown opined that it also deals with the downgrade in the lifestyle that college athletes faced after coming from “good-money” schools into the professional sphere. She added, “Now we don’t have to be at the airport three hours earlier. Worry about random cancellations and have to sit in the airport when you have a game the next day. It’s been a long time coming and we’re super grateful.” 

The demand for such action to be taken by the league has been making headlines after Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner faced a hassle at the airport last year. Seemingly, she along with her teammates faced harassment at the Dallas airport. However, she denied the exclusive charter privileges provided to her at that time and decided to travel with the team. However, with the Caitlin Clark Effect in full flow, this became a more national story.

This could probably be the reason why the WNBA was forced into taking this step after years of backlash from fans and players. In the meantime, the 2× USBWA National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark issued her initial reactions to the decision.

Caitlin Clark welcomes WNBA sanctioning charter flights

The 6 ft guard was just as pleased as anyone after finding out about this approval. She reflected on it after the team’s Wednesday practice session. Clark said, “You travel with security, which is nice. It’s just different from college where you put your bag on the plane, hop on the plane and then you’re off. But like you’re waiting at baggage claim, you’ve got to go through the normal security with everybody else. For me, it was my first time doing it. It wasn’t terrible. I just went about my business and kept my head down.”

Whether it’s because of Caitlin Clark or not, the decision surely addresses some massive security issues for the players. Moreover, it also provides female athletes with a long overdue estimation that they thoroughly deserve. Fans are hopeful of more such steps for the betterment of the division in the upcoming times.