Delta Elevates IFE With WNBA Series, Enhanced Passenger Experiences
Originally published on APEX
All photos via Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines has further enhanced its in-flight entertainment (IFE) offering with the launch of its original video series, “Power Forward,” which is now available for passengers to watch onboard. The three-episode show enables travelers to get an inside look at the lives of three superstar Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) athletes as the 2025 season continues to gain momentum and attract new fans.
Power Forward Brings WNBA Stories Onboard
To kick off the WNBA’s 2025 season, Delta Air Lines teamed up with the association to launch “Power Forward,” a fun and inspiring video series. It follows three standout players – Seattle Storm’s Nneka Ogwumike, New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, and Cameron Brink from the Los Angeles Sparks – who share their personal stories, giving fans a look at their rise to sporting prowess and their lives both on and off the court.
Originally released on Delta’s YouTube channel in May, the series is now available across all 168,000 seatback screens throughout Delta’s fleet. It provides viewers with an inside look at each player’s journey as they reflect on their basketball beginnings, discuss the challenges faced today in women’s sports, and share their vision for the future of the WNBA.
However, the players in the series are multi-dimensional individuals. They are athletes, activists, wives, and mothers. Going beyond game highlights, the videos blend humor and emotion, showcasing their personal stories in ways that resonate far beyond the basketball court.
Delta Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Tillman explained, “Our collaboration with the WNBA reflects Delta’s commitment to build followership through storytelling. These three women go beyond their roles as elite athletes, they are redefining what leadership looks like and opening doors for future generations, both on and off the court. Delta is honored to share their stories and inspire our customers and fans of the WNBA to keep climbing.”
On May 23, Delta premiered the series during an exclusive event in New York City. The event featured a panel that included former WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike; Delta Athlete Ambassador Breanna Stewart; WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison; and Alicia Tillman. They explained how the series will hopefully open doors for future leaders.
Delta became the official airline partner of the WNBA in August 2024, coinciding with the league’s launch of a full-season charter program. The airline flies all 13 teams throughout the regular season and playoffs.
This series comes at a critical juncture for the WNBA. The 2024 and 2025 WNBA seasons have witnessed an unprecedented level of growth, marked by stadium sell-outs, surging ticket prices, and prime-time television deals. This week, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced an expansion to 18 teams, up from the existing 15, with new franchises planned in Philadelphia, Detroit, and Cleveland. Cleveland is set to join in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030.
Bringing the At-Home Experience Onboard
The launch of “Power Forward” also highlights Delta’s ongoing investment in its IFE ecosystem, which has become a cornerstone of its competitive edge. Over the past decade, Delta has equipped nearly its entire mainline fleet with seatback screens. By maintaining and modernizing those systems while also enhancing Wi-Fi and personal device streaming, Delta ensures that all passengers have access to premium content throughout their journey.
Delta’s IFE growth builds on the success of its fast, free Wi-Fi program, which celebrated its second anniversary in 2025. Today, a majority of Delta’s more than 200 million annual customers enjoy seamless onboard connectivity, enabling streaming, messaging, and live services. Its Delta Sync program launched in 2023, and since then the carrier has expanded its partnership with DraftKings, and announced a new partnership with YouTube, amongst other things. These brand tie-ups offer SkyMiles Members unique in-flight experiences.
The DraftKings partnership is the first of its kind in the airline industry. It offers SkyMiles Members over the age of 21 access to free, skill-based gaming through the Delta Sync Wi‑Fi portal, including fantasy sports contests, predictive trivia, and other interactive DraftKings-powered games. Moreover, DraftKings access will not involve the use of actual money or miles.
Meanwhile, the partnership with YouTube will allow SkyMiles Members to enjoy ad-free content from their favorite creators, podcasts, and music artists while onboard most flights with Delta Sync Wi-Fi and Delta Sync seatback IFE.
These cutting-edge connectivity capabilities, combined with an extensive content library and purpose-driven programming like “Power Forward,” showcase Delta’s commitment to bringing the at-home entertainment experience into the sky as they continue to raise the bar for passenger engagement.
