The reigning champions of the WNBA, the New York Liberty, announced that the team will be building an $80 million state-of-the-art practice facility. The 75,000-square-foot facility will be located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, on Newtown Creek and is currently projected to open in 2027. The construction costs will be fully funded by the Liberty’s ownership group.
“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,” said General Manager Jonathan Kolb in a statement. “When our athletes step into what will be the crown jewel of the WNBA, they will see themselves and their insights reflected throughout.”
According to the statement, the team is committed to ensuring that player opinions and needs are woven into the organization. Players Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart collaborated with Populous, a global design firm, to ensure that the players’ needs are met with this facility. The facility will include:
- A revolutionary locker room concept – Each player will have their own private suite, which will have a full-height wardrobe, sneaker storage, a vanity with face-illuminating mirror and lighting, and a seven-foot daybed.
- Two full practice courts containing remote cameras and tracking technology, as well as multi-video displays for film review.
- An outdoor basketball court that allows players to easily visit and participate in clinics and community events.
- A roof deck player dining area with indoor and outdoor seating and in-house private chefs.
- An indoor and outdoor two-story strength training room.
- A full recovery suite equipped with steam, sauna, massage rooms, and multiple recovery technologies including hydrotherapy, hyperbaric chambers, infrared, and red-light therapy.
- An in-house player hair, nail, and makeup studio.
- Two private family lounges, including separate family and nursery areas.
“The Liberty made this facility a true player-led endeavor, incorporating our insights to help us be our best, while strengthening our bond as a team and with the New York community,” shared Breanna Stewart, Liberty forward. “As a mom, I’m especially grateful for the family rooms—it means everything to know my family is cared for while I stay locked in on my craft.”
The facility will also include a rooftop patio and lounge area, a broadcast and podcast studio, a dedicated workroom for the media, and three floors of office space. The Liberty will also be building a fan-facing experience, hospitality, and retail space.
The existing building is a former four-story lightbulb factory. The Liberty plans to keep exposed brick, wood flooring, and wood beams to “pay homage to Brooklyn’s history,” according to the team’s statement.
“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,” said Clara Wu Tsai, Governor of the New York Liberty. “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.”
The Liberty released a preview video of the practice facility, which can be viewed here. New York’s season is set to begin at their home facility, the Barclays Center, on Saturday, May 17, against the Las Vegas Aces.
