The WNBA implemented charter flights for every team in the league this season, marking a historic change in women’s basketball. Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever were the first to benefit from charter flights, opening the season against the Connecticut Sun. 

While the flights offer a great time-saving opportunity for the Fever, Clark’s teammate has a major issue with the scheduling. WNBA veteran Katie Lou Samuelson recently shared her thoughts on the travel.

“Chartering’s great, but you’re getting back at like two or three am. I think everyone is kind of bombed over that. A few of us on the plane didn’t sleep at all on the way back, we were jokingly like looking around to see who was still awake,” said Samuelson, per Matthew Byrne on X.

May 18, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) at Barclays Center.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana has played in seven games in 12 days. They haven’t just had one of the most grueling schedules in terms of opponents, but their rest periods have been minimal.

Samuelson hinted that she loves the league improvements, but the travel is taking a toll on the 1-6 Fever. The Caitlin Clark effect comes with a cost. They’re trying to keep the Fever at the forefront with constant prime-time matchups, leaving little space for rest.