As the sports world is an ever-changing industry, it is common for airlines across the globe to partner with teams for special travel accommodations. Hassle-free and efficient air travel is perhaps one of the most important components to leagues running smoothly every year. While some airlines have their own charter aircraft designated for team transport, others will take normal aircraft out of service for a few days to carry teams from A to B. In the US, several airlines have partnerships with teams throughout numerous leagues.
From basketball and football to baseball and soccer, professional teams can partake in exclusive travel. While it has been normal for some teams, others have only just begun to experience the luxury. Airline partnerships with sports teams also benefit the carriers themselves as they promote their brand. Naming rights to sports venues are also a major component of airline promotion.
These kinds of partnerships may last for a couple of months to a handful of years. In other cases, they may last decades. Here are just five notable airline and sports team collaborations among US carriers.
American Airlines & Texas Rangers
Established in 2024
Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines announced in February that it became the official and exclusive airline partner of the Texas Rangers. The multi-year deal also makes its AAdvantage frequent flyer program the official airline rewards program of the team. It also includes additional marketing and sponsorship benefits intended to engage with the community and beyond.
Photo: American Airlines
Some of the perks fans can enjoy include:
- Opportunities to travel to games
- Throwing out the first pitch at a game
- Access to suite seats at Globe Life Field
- Once-in-a-lifetime meet-and-greets with popular players
Fans must be AAdvantage members to unlock access to the experiences. For a chance to win a specific perk, fans can sign up daily on American’s website. The sponsorship also introduced an American-branded First Base lounge on the field level at Globe Life Field. Although the new partnership was launched this year, American has teamed up with the Rangers before for community events involving organizations such as Make-A-Wish and Stand Up To Cancer. The airline has been a partner of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation since 2022.
United Airlines & Wrexham AFC
Established in 2023
Chicago-based United Airlines found its way into a unique partnership with the Welsh soccer team Wrexham Association Football Club thanks to actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Becoming the team’s owners last year, the duo announced that United would become the primary shirt sponsor for its players. The sponsorship proved to be a success, as many retail shirts for fans sold out on the team’s online club shop. The designs include:
- The home kit, donning raglan-style shirts with a red base and white bands across the sleeves and crewnecks
- The away kit, which features primarily white shirts with a large dark green vertical stripe in the center and red stripes on each side
- A third kit, which are shirts with a black base, small button-up collar, and solid red stripes on the sleeves and waist in the back
Photo: United Airlines
Subsequent goalkeeper designs for fans were unveiled and went on sale online and in-store. They include a gray look and a bright neon-yellow scheme.
Delta Air Lines & Team USA
Established in 2021
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has been basking in its attention since becoming the official airline of Team USA three years ago. The carrier was in charge of carrying the team for the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing and the Paris Olympic Games this year. As part of its eight-year commitment, the airline will transport Team USA to Milano Cortina for the Winter Olympics in 2026 and Los Angeles for the 2028 games. Delta appropriately has three widebody aircraft painted in special liveries showcasing its partnership:
- An Airbus A330-900neo in a Team USA design featuring the American flag and Olympic rings
- An A350-900 also wears the same paint scheme
- In preparation for the 2028 games in Los Angeles, Delta unveiled a new “LA28” livery on another A350-900 earlier this year
Photo: Delta Air Lines
At the conclusion of the Paris Games last month, Delta flew the aircraft with Team USA onboard and the official Olympic flag from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to its hub at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The flight’s arrival marked the countdown to the 2028 games.
Delta Air Lines & the WNBA
Established in 2024
Delta’s Team USA partnership is not its only sports team commitment. Earlier this year, the carrier also announced that it is the official airline of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The multi-year agreement is part of its ongoing focus on women’s athletics. The partnership is the first of its kind, as the league introduced a full charter program for the 2024 season:
- Delta now carries all 12 WNBA teams throughout the regular season and playoffs
- The airline will leverage elevated and travel-related storytelling opportunities through the league’s broadcast, digital, print, and social media outlets
- New opportunities to promote the WNBA and players’ off-the-court travel stories
Photo: Delta Air Lines
Previously, some teams would fly commercially to their games, but Delta has a subfleet of Boeing 757-200 featuring a special charter seating configuration. The carrier is also the official airline of the National Women’s Soccer League.
Southwest Airlines & Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche
Established in 2023
Dallas-based Southwest Airlines became the official airline of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche last year. The low-cost carrier is one of the largest employers in the Centennial State. The agreement brings new opportunities to both parties and fans, such as:
- Player appearances and digital content throughout the season
- Some occasions when the Nuggets and Avalanche will join together for community events in Denver
- Multiple sweepstakes allowing local fans the chance to see their teams play at away games courtesy of Southwest
Photo: Denver International Airport
The airline will also partner with Kroekke Sports Charities to support the Avalanche and Nuggets’ charity and goodwill events. The collaboration undoubtedly shows Southwest’s commitment to the Mile High City, as it is also the official airline of the Colorado Rockies.