Indiana Fever’s huge announcement puts pressure on other WNBA teams

The Indiana Fever officially announced Thursday the construction of a $78 million, 108-square-foot practice facility in downtown Indianapolis. When completed for the 2027 season, the facility will include two courts, a weight room, first class recovery and an outdoor courtyard.

The Fever, who just appeared in the postseason for the first time since 2017, will be led by a young core next season with head coaches Kaitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, as well as high-profile new head coach Stephanie White. Now it's clear that the rest of the puzzle is complete and players will soon have access to top-of-the-line amenities as well.

This move puts more pressure on WNBA Teams without their own practice facilities to improve their situation in order to attract and retain free agents. With stars Sato Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum and Kelsey Mitchell all hitting free agency this winter, facilities and resources will almost certainly be a factor in their decision-making.

Indiana Fever guard Lexi Hull spoke at Unrivaled's media availability Thursday and praised the team for investing.

“We knew it was in development, so we were really, really excited to finally see it announced to the public,” Hull said. “I think this shows the dedication that the organization and the city of Indianapolis really puts into our team. And if we can attract some really great free agents, it's great for us as players and great for our team.” I think it will happen.”

Currently, only four of the 13 WNBA teams have their own practice facilities: the Las Vegas Aces, Seattle Storm, Phoenix Mercury and Golden State Valkyries.

Ace unveiled 64,000 sq. ft. practice facility For the 2023 season. The $40 million facility includes two basketball courts, a weight room, a training room, a movie room, a player lounge, a family room, locker rooms, hot and cold plunge pools, an infrared sauna, cryotherapy and a nutrition bar. are.

Shortly after, Storm announced a $64 million, 50,000 square foot facility, and Mercury announced a $100 million, 58,000 square foot facility in downtown Phoenix this summer. The Valkyries' facility was built ahead of their official entry into the WNBA next season.

At the same time, the Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, New York Liberty, los angeles sparksand now it's fever schedule for their own practice facility.

Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, new york liberty By 2026, all companies will have built their own facilities. Sky announced They were scheduled to break ground on a brand new $38 million, more than 40,000 square foot performance center in July. It was born after years of practice Saks Recreation CenterPublic facilities that do not belong to Sky.

Meanwhile, the Wings are planning a move from Arlington, Texas to Dallas. Wings CEO Greg Bibb shared that the move comes in conjunction with the team acquiring its own practice facility, but while details were limited, “We're not in the NBA facility that we have there. “We are building a practice facility that is equivalent to that.”

The Sparks announced in November that they would build a new practice facility, but a construction schedule has not yet been determined.

Minnesota Lynx and Washington Mystics share practice facility with NBA team

The Lynx share a practice facility. minnesota timberwolves The Mayo Center courts have their own courts, locker rooms, and training areas. Construction of this facility began in 2014.

The Washington Mystics practice in the MedStar Health Performance Center, a shared space with medical institutions. washington wizards. Players have 24/7 access to the facility and can benefit from NBA resources.

Atlanta Dream, Connecticut Sun have no plans for new practice facility

The Atlanta Dream and Connecticut Sun are the only two teams in the WNBA that do not have their own facilities or plans for their own facilities.

The Suns practice at the Tribal Practice Facility. Mohegan Community and Government Center Located in Uncasville, Connecticut. Teams do not have exclusive access to this facility, so players are not able to use it throughout the year. The facility also lacks many of the amenities found in dedicated spaces for professional basketball teams.

There have been several high-profile instances in which Sun has been removed from the facility for community events. For example, during the first round of the playoffs against the Fever, I had to share the court with a toddler's birthday party. Longtime Sun veteran Alyssa Thomas, who has blasted the practice facility multiple times, calls the current arrangement “the ultimate disrespect.”

Atlanta Dream is Core4 Athletic ComplexThis facility was built by former NBA player Paul Millsap. The facility is geared toward professionals, with multiple practice courts, a weight room, and a sauna, but it's not specifically theirs and is about 37 miles from Gateway Center, where the team plays.

What the Fever announcement means

As teams look to acquire top free agents this offseason, practice facilities and amenities will ultimately be a consideration. As such, teams like the Sun and Dream are at a relative disadvantage, while teams like the Aces and Mercury can already offer world-class facilities. Every time another WNBA team announces this type of plan, it puts additional pressure on other WNBA teams that are lagging on this front.