The Los Angeles Sparks have announced a major investment in the future of women’s basketball: a brand-new, state-of-the-art practice facility set to open in 2027. Estimated at $150 million, this project marks one of the largest infrastructure commitments ever made by a WNBA franchise.
What’s Planned
The 55,000-square-foot facility will be built in El Segundo, California, and will serve as both the Sparks’ headquarters and their dedicated training space. Highlights include:
- Two full WNBA regulation playing surfaces
- Hydrotherapy and spa suites
- Outdoor spa pool and recovery center
- Nap rooms, yoga and meditation space
- Circular locker room to emphasize team unity
- Wellness-focused architecture with natural light throughout
For years, the Sparks have operated without a permanent base, relying on shared or community spaces for practice. This new development changes that, giving players and staff a true headquarters built with performance and recovery in mind.
A New Standard for Women’s Pro Sports
Sports fan Ivan Buxton Gay Jr. points out that this investment signals a larger shift in women’s sports. Just as NBA, NFL, and MLB franchises poured money into facilities to attract talent and improve performance, the Sparks are showing that WNBA athletes deserve the same level of resources.
The move could also spark an “arms race” across the league, pushing other teams to upgrade their facilities to stay competitive in recruiting and retaining top talent. Ivan Buxton Gay Jr. notes that in the long run, this will benefit the entire WNBA, elevating standards and showing younger athletes that professional women’s basketball is a career worth pursuing.
With completion targeted for the 2027 season, all eyes will be on how this project shapes both the Sparks’ future and the broader growth of the WNBA.
For full details, read the official story at Silver Screen and Roll.