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WNBA star Brittney Griner is expected to fly privately and separately from her teammates due to security purposes for the upcoming 2023 season. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that the league has started to look and investigate this option as the season approaches.
According to sources, there's a possibility that Griner might have to travel privately due to security purposes.
As a result, free-agent star Breanna Stewart has made charter air travel a huge element of her free agency. Stewart posted on Twitter this week about the concerns that drew attention.
"I would love to be part of a deal that helps subsidize charter travel for the entire WNBA," Stewart tweeted. "I would contribute my NIL, posts + production hrs to ensure we all travel in a way that prioritizes player health + safety, which ultimately results in a better product. Who’s with me?"
It's been known that private air travel has been an issue for the WNBA since its infancy. The league hasn't struck a deal with any airlines. According to league commissioner Catherine Engelbert, she has spoken to major airlines and has continued to explore other options.
"We've asked all the major airlines," Engelbert said. "We've asked charter companies. I've been working on this since the moment I came into the league. Without sponsors stepping up, it's just not in the cards right now."
Tthere could be a possibility that the league might sign with an airline sponsorship in the near future.
Brittney Griner made an appearance at the MLK Day march
After nine months in prison in Russia, Brittney Griner made a public appearance at the recent Martin Luther King Jr. Day March. Griner was in Phoenix when she joined the public with the march on Jan. 16.
She said that she's happy to be home since returning from Russia last month. Her appearance last week was her first public appearance since her return.
Griner was put in prison by the Russian government after hash oil was found inside her luggage upon her arrival. She was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for carrying vape cartridges that contained cannabis oil.
