Skylar Diggins-Smith Calls Out WNBA Over Grueling Schedule and Commercial Flights Amid Player Safety Concerns

Skylar Diggins-Smith, one of the brightest stars in the WNBA, has long been known for her passion and dedication to the game of basketball. Like many of her fellow players, she loves the sport deeply. However, alongside the thrill of competition, Skylar and her teammates face an ongoing battle against the league’s demanding schedule and challenging travel conditions — issues that significantly impact their health, performance, and well-being.

Following a tough loss to the Washington Mystics on Tuesday night, the Phoenix Mercury were forced to take a same-day flight to prepare for their next game against the Indiana Fever on Wednesday evening. This tight turnaround left the players with very little time to rest, recover, or adjust to the new environment. Such scheduling not only strains their physical abilities but also raises serious questions about the WNBA’s commitment to prioritizing the athletes’ welfare and performance.

What makes the situation even more troubling is the nature of the team’s travel arrangements. Instead of being flown on chartered planes with dedicated security and comfort tailored to professional athletes, the players are forced to fly commercial — often without any additional security measures. Skylar Diggins-Smith voiced her frustration loudly on Twitter, sparking widespread discussion and support. She tweeted, “Flying the same day as a game will never be something I’m happy about! Back-to-back away games should never be scheduled because we fly commercial planes (with no security). The WNBA wants high-quality basketball, but apparently doesn’t value players’ quality of life.”

Skylar’s words are not just a personal grievance; they represent a collective frustration shared by many players across the league. With a demanding season packed with consecutive games and long travel times, athletes struggle to maintain peak condition. The lack of adequate travel support increases fatigue, stress, and even safety risks, all of which compromise their ability to perform at the highest level.

The WNBA has made significant strides in increasing its visibility, sponsorship, and fanbase, but this ongoing issue highlights the persistent inequalities female athletes face in professional sports. The inadequate travel and scheduling conditions stand in stark contrast to the league’s aspirations of delivering elite-level basketball and player care. Fans, analysts, and sports medicine experts have quickly rallied behind Diggins-Smith, calling on the league to overhaul its scheduling and logistics policies.

Experts emphasize that rest, recovery, and mental wellness are crucial components for any professional athlete’s success and longevity. Flying on commercial flights with minimal security and comfort increases physical exhaustion and mental stress, which can lead to injuries and diminished on-court performance. These issues not only affect individual players but also the overall quality and competitiveness of the league.

The Phoenix Mercury face additional challenges due to the absence of Brittney Griner, their star center, who remains detained overseas. Without Griner, the team has struggled to maintain a winning record this season, and the pressure on Diggins-Smith and other teammates has intensified. Despite these hurdles, Diggins-Smith continues to post impressive individual stats, averaging 18.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. However, even her remarkable performance cannot mask the fatigue and frustration born from grueling travel and scheduling demands.

The situation reflects a broader issue within women’s sports, where female athletes often receive less support and protection compared to their male counterparts. While WNBA players work tirelessly to grow the game and achieve professionalism, the league must also recognize the importance of improving off-court conditions to ensure sustainable success.

Diggins-Smith’s public criticism has shone a spotlight on these critical issues, generating pressure for change. The WNBA and other governing bodies now have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to re-evaluate their scheduling policies, travel arrangements, and overall treatment of players. Providing athletes with safer, more comfortable travel options and more reasonable game spacing will enhance player health, performance, and career longevity.

Continuing to schedule back-to-back away games with commercial flights not only risks player well-being but also undermines the league’s goal of delivering top-tier entertainment to fans. A professional sports league must ensure its athletes are physically and mentally prepared to compete at their best, which starts with respect for their quality of life.

Moreover, better scheduling and travel logistics allow players more time to train, recover, and mentally prepare for games. This not only benefits the athletes but also elevates the level of competition and excitement for viewers. Fans want to see players at their best, and supporting their well-being is the foundation for memorable and thrilling basketball.

In sum, Skylar Diggins-Smith’s outspoken call for change serves as a wake-up call for the WNBA and the wider sports community. Players are not just performers; they are human beings deserving of fair treatment, safety, and dignity. Meeting these basic needs is essential for the growth and respect of women’s basketball on the world stage.

While challenges remain, the courage and resolve of stars like Diggins-Smith help to push the conversation forward and promote reforms within the league. Hopefully, in the near future, female athletes will compete in a truly professional environment—one that values their contributions and supports their health, allowing them to shine and inspire the next generation of players and fans alike