Magic Johnson flies a short loop over Chino the week of WNBA profit news

Magic Johnson flew from Chino Airport to Chino Airport on May 25, a brief 550-foot climb that kept the Gulfstream II over the same airfield for a few minutes. The short hop, likely a maintenance or pilot-proficiency flight, came the same week the WNBA confirmed it had turned a profit for the first time in its 30-year history, per a Yardbarker report this week. Johnson, who co-owns the Los Angeles Sparks, celebrated the milestone on Instagram, noting that the 2025 season's record viewership triggered a $17.25 million revenue-sharing payout to teams and players.

The WNBA's financial breakthrough follows a surge in popularity credited to rookies Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, which has pushed the league into a new era of commercial viability. Johnson has been a vocal advocate for the league's growth since becoming a Sparks co-owner in 2014, and the payout gives players significant leverage in ongoing CBA negotiations.

Johnson's recent flight pattern shows a May 18 trip from Van Nuys to an area near Needles, California, and the May 25 Chino circuit. While the short Chino hop appears to be a local training or maintenance flight, it lands amid a broader week of business milestones for Johnson, who also faces scrutiny over his endorsement of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as the city's wildfire recovery continues.