The WNBA has postponed the game between the New York Liberty and the Dallas Wings due to significant travel delays caused by mechanical issues with the Liberty's charter plane. The contest, originally scheduled for Thursday, has been rescheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. ET.
The travel disruptions began on Wednesday, with rookie Pauline Astier sharing a photo of herself and developmental player Marine Fauthoux still on the team's plane on her Instagram story at 10:25 p.m. Astier's caption read, "10h après toujours sur le tamarac," which translates to, "10 hours later, still on the tarmac." The Liberty eventually switched planes before deboarding around 12:30 a.m.
The team's travel woes were compounded by severe thunderstorms in the New York area, which caused flight delays. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop at DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field in North Texas on Wednesday afternoon, effectively pausing flights as a storm hit the area. The Wings also experienced travel disruptions, but the extent of their delays is not clear.
The Liberty's game against the Wings was the latest casualty of the team's travel issues. The Liberty canceled shootaround on Thursday, and a team spokesperson did not return The Post's request for comment. The WNBA has announced that the Wings will honor all tickets purchased for the original game day, and fans will be able to attend the rescheduled contest on Monday.
The WNBA has faced several scheduling challenges this season, but the Liberty's travel issues are a significant concern. The team's ability to travel safely and efficiently is crucial to their success, and the postponement of the game against the Wings is a reflection of the team's struggles. The WNBA has a reputation for being a well-organized and efficient league, but the Liberty's travel issues have highlighted the challenges that teams can face when traveling.
The postponement of the game is a setback for both teams, but it also presents an opportunity for the Liberty to regroup and refocus before their rescheduled contest on Monday. The team will need to work quickly to resolve their travel issues and ensure that they are able to travel safely and efficiently for their remaining games.
Source: NYPOST