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Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise Los Angeles Sparks have announced plans to build a new US$150 million practice facility.
Confirmed:
- 55,000 square foot facility to be based in El Segundo
- Building to include two WNBA regulation basketball courts, dedicated nap rooms, flexible wellness spaces, hydrotherapy and spa suites and an outdoor spa pool,
- Facility to also house a circular locker room, dedicated weight room and training spaces
- Campus designed in partnership with architecture and design firm Gensler
Context:
The US$150 million investment is said to be the largest to date for a single women’s team. According to the Sparks, it will feature the WNBA’s first-ever indoor-outdoor player sanctuary, with retractable doors and expansive windows to offer extensive natural lighting.
The Sparks have trained at different facilities over recent years, including at the El Camino College. They now become the latest WNBA team to unveil plans for a dedicated practice facility, with the Phoenix Mercury, Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm all having recently completed work on new campuses.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever, New York Liberty, Dallas Wings and Chicago Sky have all announced plans to build new training centres. The Liberty’s new facility will cost US$80 million, while the Fever will spend US$78 million on their own sports performance centre.
Comment:
“We’re building a place where Sparks players can be at their best on and off the court,” said Eric Holoman, managing partner and governor of the Los Angeles Sparks. “From cutting-edge training and recovery spaces to family and community areas, every corner of this facility was designed with them at the centre.
“It reflects our commitment to our team, our fans, and the city of Los Angeles, and sets a new standard for what a professional sports organisation can provide for its athletes.”
Coming next:
The Sparks’ new facility is scheduled to open in 2027.
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