NBA teams' use of private jets analyzed

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NBA teams' use of private jets analyzed

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Dallas Mavericks Boeing 757-200 | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

May 26, 2025

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a major professional basketball league, boasting 30 teams across North America. The league has achieved significant financial success, with earnings surpassing $11.3 billion in the 2023-2024 season and an average of over 1.5 million viewers per game.

With teams spread across the continent, many NBA franchises own or lease private jets for travel. These aircraft are used to transport team members and executives for games and other events.

The Dallas Mavericks use a Boeing 757-200, registered as N801DM, for their seasonal transportation needs. "According to ch-aviation, this private jet is configured to seat approximately 63 passengers in a business-class arrangement," suitable for the team's personnel.

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The Los Angeles Lakers' owner, Jeanie Buss, utilizes a Gulfstream G550. "Buss frequently flies this aircraft for executive operations," although it occasionally transports players as well. This aircraft was acquired by Buss in 2017 and features a customized interior designed to accommodate taller individuals typical of NBA players.

The Houston Rockets operate a Boeing 767-322ER registered as N625HR. "This widebody Boeing 767 has a unique interior that is configured to fit up to 92 passengers," offering ample space with large seats suited for tall athletes.

Previously, the Cleveland Cavaliers used a Boeing 737-200 registered as N583CC before it was scrapped in October 2015.

Despite some teams owning private jets, many rely on chartered flights due to logistical requirements such as transporting equipment and support staff. Currently, Delta Air Lines provides charter services to most NBA teams using Boeing 757s configured for comfort with lie-flat beds and other amenities.

Looking forward, the NBA plans to lease Airbus A321neos converted into executive transport business jets from SMBC Aviation Capital. These aircraft will likely be operated by Delta Air Lines and provide customized seating arrangements similar to current configurations used by the league's teams.