Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Backs Breanna Stewart, Wants WNBA to Receive 'Equal Rights'

Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar echoed the sentiment of WNBA star Breanna Stewart when he advocated Thursday for WNBA players "getting equal rights."

The WNBA faces increased scrutiny over its travel arrangements for players.

The collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and the players' union stipulates players are afforded "premium economy" class when traveling to and from regular-season games.

While that's an improvement from the previous CBA, it's a far cry from the chartered travel NBA players enjoy. By flying commercially, WNBA players can be stuck in cramped conditions and are at risk of experiencing significant delays that impact game preparation.

Last March, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told ESPN's M.A. Voepel that chartered travel for every team was too expensive for the league and that she was struggling to get major airlines to help offset the costs with sponsorship deals.

It appears Stewart will press the issue, though. Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported chartered travel is "a key factor in her free agency" this winter. The extent to which this has become a major story could force the WNBA's hand on making changes.

The CBA runs through 2027, but either the league or players can opt out by Oct. 31, 2025, or after the 2025 season concludes. A new media rights deal for the WNBA promises to dramatically alter the league's financial outlook, and with more revenue coming in, the players figure to make chartered travel a top priority if the situation hasn't been remedied.