NBA Team Planes Unveiled – Does The NBA Fly Private?

Last Updated on: 23rd November 2023, 07:55 pm

Have you ever wondered what traveling like an NBA player is like? Get ready to soar through the skies in this eye-opening article about NBA team planes.

Find out if the NBA truly flies private or takes commercial flights and discover the different types of planes owned or chartered by teams.

From luxurious accommodations to behind-the-scenes insights, this is your ticket to the fascinating world of NBA team travel.

NBA team planes

So grab your boarding pass and join us on this exclusive journey.

Do NBA Teams Have Their Own Planes?

Yes, some NBA teams own their planes for travel. While not all teams own their planes, every NBA team can access private planes for the regular season and playoffs.

Teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets operate Boeing 767 aircraft. Some teams, like the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets, have different arrangements and use charter companies for travel. The Detroit Pistons have their plane named ‘Roundball One’.

Generally, larger and financially robust teams like the Lakers, Celtics, Nets, and Knicks have the resources to purchase and maintain their planes. However, newer teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz have also made recent plane purchases.

The NBA has an arrangement with Delta where they own 757 aircraft operated by the airline. Overall, the ownership of planes among NBA teams varies, with some teams relying on chartered services.

What Airplanes Do NBA Teams Own Or Charter?

NBA teams have a variety of airplanes or private jets that they either own or charter for their travel needs:

Boeing 767

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Washington Wizards

Boeing 757

  • Miami Heat
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Phoenix Suns
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Utah Jazz

Boeing 747

  • Los Angeles Lakers

Unknown

  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Los Angeles Clippers

Inside the Luxurious Accommodations of NBA Team Planes

As you step onto an NBA team plane, you’ll be amazed by the luxurious accommodations that await you.

The Lakers, Celtics, and other NBA teams spare no expense in providing their players with the utmost comfort during their travels. Here’s what you can expect inside:

  • Spacious seating: Sink into plush leather seats that offer ample legroom for a relaxed journey.
  • Entertainment systems: Indulge in the latest movies, TV shows, and games on large personal screens.
  • Gourmet dining: Enjoy a delectable selection of meals prepared by top chefs, catering to all dietary preferences.

These accommodations ensure that players can rest, unwind, and arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to perform.

From the moment you step onboard, you’ll be enveloped in luxury that reflects the high standards of NBA travel.

Do Some NBA Players Have Their Own Private Jets?

Yes, some NBA players do own their own private jets and do not fly commercial flights.

Notable examples include Michael Jordan, who owns a Gulfstream G550, and Magic Johnson, with a Gulfstream G-III. LeBron James is also mentioned among those who have the means to fly private, indicating that he may own a private jet as well​​​​​​.

Sports pays well!

These private jets are symbols of wealth and status, and only a select few athletes have the financial capacity to afford them​​.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the truth behind NBA team planes. While not all teams own their aircraft, they can access private planes for travel.

Some teams, like the Lakers and Celtics, have the luxury of owning their planes, while others opt for chartering through airlines or charter companies.

Regardless of ownership, NBA players and staff can travel in style and comfort as they jet off to their next game.