The NBA’s Unique Approach to Team Travel
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the world’s premier basketball league, home to some of the most talented and well-known athletes in professional sports. With 30 teams competing in an 82-game regular season that runs from October to April, and playoffs extending into June, the league’s schedule demands extensive travel across North America. While the NFL often faces the most logistical challenges due to its vast geographic reach, the NBA still has unique requirements for transporting its teams.
One of the key factors in NBA team travel is the physical attributes of the players. NBA athletes are typically very tall, which means they require ample legroom and wide seats. Ensuring player comfort during long flights is essential, as fatigue can significantly impact performance on the court. Unlike many other leagues, where teams charter commercial flights, the NBA has a special agreement with Delta Air Lines, making it the exclusive travel partner for most teams. However, a few teams have their own private jets for transport.
The Plane Flown By The Dallas Mavericks
Among the most notable private jets used by an NBA team is the Boeing 757 operated by the Dallas Mavericks. Registered as N801DM, this aircraft has been in service since 2001 and was originally ordered by Iberia. It has changed hands multiple times over the years, with the current owner being Parallel Express as of March 2025. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 turbofan engines and equipped with blended winglets, the plane underwent a major refurbishment in late 2025 by Citadel Completions. The interior features club-style seating with permanent tables, full-height closets, 4K displays, touchscreens, plush leather seats, mood lighting, and high-speed WiFi.
The 757, purchased for $36 million by former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, is affectionately known as “Mavs One.” Although it is relatively small compared to widebody aircraft, it offers a luxurious experience for the team, coaches, and support staff. Cuban also owns several other aircraft, but N801DM remains the primary transport for the Mavericks.
The Transport For The Houston Rockets
Since 2019, the Houston Rockets have relied on a Boeing 767 for official team transport. The plane, registered as N625HR, was originally delivered to United Airlines in 1992 and later acquired by Rockets’ owner Tilman Fertitta. It is now operated by iAero Airways. This larger aircraft can accommodate up to 92 passengers and features a diverse seating arrangement, including large leather recliners, sofas, lie-flat seats, and a full onboard bar. The interior includes Heath Tecna Nu-Look finishes, mood lighting, and in-flight WiFi, along with a small bedroom and numerous entertainment screens. When not in use by the Rockets, the plane is also used by the Houston Astros.
How The Rest Of The League Flies
While the Mavericks and Rockets use private jets, the majority of NBA teams rely on charter flights provided by Delta Air Lines. The league has a specific agreement with Delta, using 11 Boeing 757-200s designated as the 75C subfleet. These planes, though old, are leased from Aviation Capital Group and operated under an NBA trust. They feature 72 seats arranged four-abreast, with some facing each other for socializing. However, these aircraft are aging and increasingly expensive to maintain. In response, the NBA announced plans to replace the 75C fleet with 13 Airbus A321neos starting in the 2026-2027 season. These new aircraft will be leased directly from SMBC Aviation Capital and operated by Delta.
How Other Sports Teams Get Around
Other sports leagues also have unique approaches to team travel. In football, the New England Patriots operate two dedicated Boeing 767-200ERs, while the Arizona Cardinals use a fleet of five Boeing 777-200ERs. The Detroit Lions is the only MLB team to fly its own plane, sharing a Boeing 737-800 with the Detroit Red Wings. The NBA’s fleet of Delta-operated aircraft is also shared with the WNBA and NHL, an arrangement likely to continue with the new A321neo fleet.
In the NFL, teams often charter widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 747-400 and 777-300ER due to the size of their entourages. In contrast, teams in other leagues frequently use narrowbody aircraft like the Boeing 737. Operating a team’s own plane is costly and complex, which is why most teams outsource to experienced operators like commercial airlines. The NBA’s frequent travel and long season make it more economical to maintain a dedicated fleet, even when operated by a large airline like Delta.
