Images: New York Liberty
Reigning WNBA champion, the New York Liberty, has unveiled plans for a new fully-privately funded practice facility, with three of the team’s stars collaborating with Populous for what is claimed to be the first-ever development of its type “designed by players, for players.”
The $80m (£61.8m/€74.2m) venture, fully-funded by the Liberty’s ownership group, will be located on 75,000 square-feet of land in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, overlooking Manhattan’s skyline.
Projected to open in 2027, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart, on behalf of the Liberty players, collaborated with Populous in an effort to provide insights that are unique to women, optimise player performance and best accommodate their multi-faceted lifestyles.
Clara Wu Tsai, governor of the New York Liberty, said: “We are a player-first organisation 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. 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 practice facility’s elements derived through athlete insights will include:
- Revolutionary locker room concept – in lieu of traditional lockers, surrounding the player lounge area, each player will have their own private suite, equipped with a full height wardrobe and sneaker storage, a vanity with face-illuminating mirrors and lighting, and a seven-foot daybed for lounging and recovery.
- Two full practice courts equipped with remote cameras and data tracking technology, as well as multi video displays for on-court film review.
- Outdoor basketball court that allows for easy player access to visit and participate in clinics and to interact with the community.
- Roof deck player dining area featuring indoor and outdoor seating with skyline views and in-house private chefs to provide an elevated dining experience.
- Indoor and outdoor two-story strength training room allowing players and the team’s performance staff to create dynamic programming through its uniquely crafted layout, including a cardio balcony deck overlooking the practice courts.
- Full recovery suite featuring steam, sauna, massage rooms and a range of the latest in rehab and recovery technologies, including hydrotherapy, hyperbaric chamber, infrared, and red-light therapy.
- In-house player hair, nail, and makeup studio ensuring players can book appointments amidst their busy schedules.
- Two private family lounges including separate family and nursery areas.
Jones said: “One of the main things that drew me to the New York Liberty organisation is the level of investment in us as athletes. We just won a championship, and in the same way they expect us to level up and step up our game, our ownership group and leadership continues to raise the bar, and this facility is a perfect example of that.
“This is what makes our organisation great and why it will continue to be relevant as the years go on. 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. 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.”
Additional key Liberty practice facility features will include a rooftop patio and lounge area, a broadcast and podcast studio, a dedicated media workroom, and three floors of office space for the Liberty’s growing front office staff. The Liberty will also build a fan-facing immersive experience, hospitality, and a retail storefront.
The preexisting structure, a four-story former lightbulb factory, will be retained in part for the staff offices, dining, and administrative spaces by highlighting original exposed brick, wood flooring, and wood beams.
A newly constructed 40,000 sq. ft., two story extension, will predominantly focus on the players amenities, including the locker room, training room, weight room, roof decks, recovery suite, and practice courts.
“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 Jonathan Kolb, general manager of the New York Liberty.
“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 Golden State Valkyries’ entry into the WNBA this coming season will bring the number of teams with dedicated practice facilities up to four – joining the Las Vegas Aces, Seattle Storm and Phoenix Mercury.
There has been a drive in improving this number of late, with several high-profile projects announced. RAJ Sports, the sports investment platform for the Bhathal family, owners and operators of Portland Thorns in the NWSL and the new Portland WNBA franchise, last month engaged Populous for a sports performance centre which is envisioned to be the “global epicentre of women’s sport”.
In January, another Populous project saw Pacers Sports & Entertainment detail plans to build a new performance centre for the Indiana Fever.
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