Skylar Diggins-Smith Criticizes WNBA Travel Schedule: Calls for Change Amid Grueling Conditions

Skylar Diggins-Smith, like many of her fellow WNBA players, is deeply passionate about basketball. The sport is not just a career but a true calling for these elite athletes. However, despite their love for the game, Diggins-Smith and her teammates have increasingly voiced concerns about the WNBA’s demanding schedule and difficult travel conditions — issues that they say are negatively impacting their health, performance, and overall wellbeing.

The latest criticism came immediately following Phoenix Mercury’s recent loss to the Washington Mystics on a Tuesday night. With little rest, the Mercury players were faced with the daunting prospect of boarding a commercial flight the very next day to prepare for an away game against the Indiana Fever on Wednesday evening. The tight turnaround and travel demands were far from ideal.

In a candid and pointed tweet, Diggins-Smith spoke out about the challenges posed by such a hectic schedule and the way travel is arranged. She highlighted that teams are forced to fly commercial flights — often without any dedicated security or private arrangements — sometimes on the same day as they play a game. This practice, she suggested, shows a lack of consideration for players’ quality of life and ultimately hurts the quality of basketball that fans want to see.

“Flying on game day will never be something I’m happy about! There should never be consecutive road games scheduled because we fly commercial (no security),” Diggins-Smith wrote on Twitter. “The W wants quality/top tier basketball, but seemingly doesn’t value the quality of life of the players.”

Her words struck a chord within the basketball community, sparking conversations about how the WNBA manages player welfare, travel logistics, and scheduling — topics that have long been debated by players, coaches, and fans alike.

The Grueling Schedule: A Reality for WNBA Players

Unlike some other professional sports leagues where players may have charter flights, luxurious accommodations, and days off between games, many WNBA teams face tough schedules packed with back-to-back road games and quick turnarounds. The league’s compact season format, combined with limited budgets and resources, often means that players must endure long hours of travel on commercial airlines, arriving late at night or even flying the same day as their games.

This puts enormous physical and mental strain on athletes, especially when they have little time for rest and recovery. The impact is not only on their performance on the court but also on their overall health, including increased risk of injuries and burnout.

Diggins-Smith’s tweet sheds light on the systemic challenges within the league that often go unnoticed by casual fans. Her criticism is not just about convenience — it is a call for the league to prioritize the players’ wellbeing, recognizing that the quality of basketball depends heavily on how rested and prepared players are.

Commercial Flights Without Security: A Safety Concern

One of the most concerning points Diggins-Smith raised is the fact that players fly commercial, often without private security. For professional athletes, especially those who are well-known public figures, traveling without any security can expose them to potential risks. Whether it’s issues of privacy, safety, or even the simple stress of dealing with public airports and crowds, the absence of secure, private travel arrangements adds another layer of difficulty.

It also speaks to how the league prioritizes its budget and resources. While commercial flights might be cheaper and more feasible financially, many argue that the WNBA should consider investing in charter flights or more secure travel methods, especially for back-to-back road games, to protect the players and help them perform at their best.

Impact on Team Performance and Player Health

The Phoenix Mercury’s struggles this season have been evident. Without their star center Brittney Griner, who is currently unable to play due to off-court circumstances, the team has faced an uphill battle. Their record has hovered below .500, making each game and each road trip even more critical and stressful.

Players like Diggins-Smith are working hard to keep the team competitive, currently averaging 18.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. But it’s clear that the relentless travel schedule takes a toll not just on individual performances but on team cohesion and endurance over the grueling season.

A well-planned schedule with adequate rest between games and improved travel logistics would not only benefit player health but could also lead to better on-court performances, higher quality games, and ultimately greater fan engagement and league growth.

The WNBA’s Growth and Challenges

The WNBA has seen significant growth in recent years. Increased media coverage, higher attendance, and sponsorship deals have boosted the league’s profile. Stars like Diggins-Smith, Brittney Griner, and others have become household names, inspiring a new generation of young athletes.

However, with growth come growing pains. The league is still managing tight financial constraints compared to other major sports leagues, which often leads to compromises in areas like travel and scheduling. Balancing expansion, fan engagement, player welfare, and financial viability is an ongoing challenge.

Diggins-Smith’s public comments are part of a broader conversation about how to modernize and improve the WNBA experience for both players and fans. Many hope the league will listen and make changes that respect the players’ sacrifices and elevate the sport.

Fans and Public Reaction

Diggins-Smith’s tweet quickly gained traction online, with fans, analysts, and former players weighing in. Many expressed support for her, acknowledging the harsh realities WNBA players face behind the scenes. Others called for the league to allocate more resources toward improving travel conditions and scheduling.

Some fans expressed frustration that such an important issue had been overlooked for so long, especially given the physical demands of professional basketball and the visibility of women’s sports today.

What Could Change?

If the WNBA wants to maintain and grow its reputation as a top-tier professional sports league, addressing player welfare is essential. Some potential improvements include:

Charter flights for teams on consecutive road games to reduce travel fatigue and increase security.

More rest days between games, avoiding scheduling back-to-back away matches.

Enhanced player support services, including mental health resources and physical recovery facilities.

Better dialogue and collaboration with players to design schedules that balance competition and wellbeing.

Such changes would require investment and commitment from league officials, team owners, and sponsors — but the long-term benefits could be substantial.

Final Thoughts

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s outspoken criticism of the WNBA’s travel schedule highlights a critical issue in professional women’s basketball that affects not only individual players but the league’s overall quality and reputation. Her message resonates beyond the basketball court, reflecting a broader call for better treatment, respect, and resources for female athletes.

As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and stature, how it addresses these challenges could define its future. The league has an opportunity to lead not only in sports excellence but also in athlete care and professional standards.

Fans, players, and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see whether the WNBA can evolve and adapt to meet the demands of a modern professional sports league — one that honors its athletes and gives them the best chance to shine.