Renderings courtesy of New York Liberty
The New York Liberty’s new practice facility is fit for champions. The reigning WNBA champs on Thursday unveiled plans for an $80 million state-of-the-art training building on the waterfront in Greenpoint. Designed by Populous, the design team behind the Sphere in Las Vegas, the 75,000-square-foot facility will be one of the few dedicated practice spaces for a WNBA team and the first to be designed with insight from players.
Currently, the team practices at a compound at the Barclays Center; the Nets have a separate training center in Industry City. With the arena used for Brooklyn Nets games and concerts, there were days the teams didn’t have full access to the facility, as the New York Times reported.
Just three WNBA teams had dedicated facilities last season, but more franchises have announced plans to build better practice spaces. Since buying the Liberty in 2019, Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai, also minority owners of the Nets, promised to invest in the team, first and foremost by bringing them to Brooklyn after the team played at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
In 2024, the Liberty won the franchise’s first WNBA Championship, defeating the Minnesota Lynx.
“We are a player-first organization and investing in health and wellness has always been a priority for us. The New York Liberty deserve a facility of their own: one that reflects their tremendous talent, work ethic, and ambition,” Wu Tsai said in a statement.
“This facility is a sign of our commitment to the team, to the city of New York, and to the advancement of women’s sports.”
A four-story former factory building will hold staff offices, dining, and administrative spaces. A two-story extension measuring 40,000 square feet will hold most of the player spaces.
Star players Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart worked with Populous to design spaces that best accommodate them. Some of these features include forgoing a traditional locker room for a lounge with individual private suites for players. Each space has a seven-foot day bed, a vanity with mirrors and lighting, a full-height wardrobe, and sneaker storage.
There will be two full practice courts equipped with remote cameras and data tracking technology; a two-story indoor-outdoor strength training room; a spa room with steam, sauna, massage rooms, and other recovery therapy; an in-house hair, nail, and makeup studio; a roof deck dining area with Manhattan views; and family and nursery lounges.
Plus, there will be an outdoor basketball court that will allow for community programs, a broadcast and podcast studio, and a media workroom.
“We were thrilled to be a part of the insights process, and the results are a direct reflection of that. This is a great take on reshaping what a locker room is, because it is not only about building team chemistry, but also giving players space for personal time,” Jones said in a statement.
“It is important to let our personalities shine and have a place where you can really express yourself. This new facility is not only about functionality, it is about creating a space that truly reflects who we are as athletes and people.”
There will also be an experience for the fans, with a retail storefront and a Liberty-themed coffee shop opening on the site.
“The New York Liberty strive to be the standard on and off the court and this facility will be a game changer as we continue our relentless pursuit of excellence,” Jonathan Kolb, General Manager of the Liberty said.
“A key part of this process has been the active involvement of our players in creating a year-round home for themselves and their families, and the collaborative effort to redefine the standard of player care and experience. When our athletes step into what will be the crown jewel of the WNBA, they will see themselves and their insights reflected throughout.”
The facility will face the Newtown Creek, an estuary between Brooklyn and Queens, on what is now a vacant lot. The Liberty’s ownership group will cover the cost of construction. The facility is expected to be completed in 2027.
The team’s 2025 regular season kicks off at home on Saturday, May 17, against the Las Vegas Aces.
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Renderings courtesy of New York Liberty
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