Where is the WNBA travel money?

Sports odds and ends

Travel issues have been a concern of late for the WNBA, which needs a solution. The Minnesota Lynx were the latest club to experience travel issues, in their case trying to travel from Minilik to a game in the East.

The long-running issue came up earlier this month at the All-Star Game in Chicago. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told media outlets including MSR that charter flights could be arranged for playoff teams if needed. Otherwise, all 12 clubs will have to fly an ad, possibly the only major league that doesn’t use a permanent charter, to return to games.

The WNBA boldly announced in February that it had raised $75 million from investors. In a release, Engelbert said the money was an “unprecedented investment in players and teams.”

What about that $75 million? where did he go Of course, some can improve travel conditions for players and teams, taking into account inflation and fuel costs. Why can’t NBA teams that don’t use private jets in the summer get to their poor sisters?

When Inglebert visited Minnesota earlier this month, MSR asked her about the new money and where it was going. “Remember, Charles,” Engelbert said, jokingly referring me to the winter press conference, “we talked about this. First it involves player success, stakeholders—and media and owners and teams—and then fan engagement. All these touch points are an important part of the deployment of the capital.

I looked back at the official mumbo-jumbo. Her words are as follows: “Our strategy is to deploy this capital city to continue the league’s brand as a bold, progressive entertainer that embraces diversity, promotes equity, advocates for social justice and supports women’s empowerment… We are setting the WNBA up for future success, and a beacon for the future of women’s sports.” Represents a symbol.

Did you get all that? Meaning: No travel money.

Former ABA players get benefits

A new program by the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced earlier this month will pay pensions to at least 115 former ABA players who played at least three seasons but were not eligible for retirement. When the NBA merged with the ABA in 1976.

An IndyStar story published last year found that 80% of former ABA players in financial trouble are black. The ABA’s have argued that since the 1976 merger, only four ABA clubs have taken over, many of which are excluded from future pension benefits.

“We all believe it is appropriate to give this team financial recognition for their impact,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in an ESPN article. He added that both the league and the players “felt the need to act on behalf of former ABA players who were aging and in many cases facing difficult economic conditions.”

Under the new program, eligible former ABAers will receive a “recognition fee” of $3,828 per year of service. Please note that these are not called pension payments.

“We have always considered the players of the ABA to be our brotherhood and we are proud to finally recognize them in this capacity,” NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio said in a statement.

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