New York Liberty Set the Standard with Groundbreaking State-of-the-Art Practice Facility
- Kenny "Rem" Saint-Vil
- Mar 27
- 5 min read
The New York Liberty have long been pioneers in women’s sports, setting the standard both on and off the court. From their groundbreaking fan engagement strategies to their dominance in the WNBA, the Liberty continue to lead the way in the growth of the game. They were the first WNBA team to launch a dedicated app, making Liberty basketball more accessible than ever.
In 2024, they entered a first-of-its-kind local TV deal with FOX 5 and MY9, bringing Liberty games into more homes across the New York market. That partnership proved so successful that it was recently extended on a multi-year deal, further expanding the team’s reach. And, of course, in October 2024, the Liberty captured their first-ever WNBA Championship, cementing their place in league history.
Now, the Liberty are adding another groundbreaking “first” to their resume: an $80-million-dollar, state-of-the-art practice facility in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. While the team’s current setup is already among the best in the league, this new facility takes things to an entirely new level, marking an unprecedented investment in women’s basketball.
The timing of this announcement is also significant. The rapid rise of women’s basketball has been undeniable, with a league like Unrivaled proving that top-tier facilities and player-centric environments are key to elevating the sport. The Liberty’s new practice home not only ensures that current players have world-class resources at their disposal but also sends a strong message to future stars: New York is the destination for elite talent.
This investment has been in the works for some time. Back in July 2024, Bloomberg News reported that the Tsais were exploring plans to build a dedicated practice facility for the Liberty—a major statement of commitment to the team’s future. Now, less than a year later, those plans have been officially unveiled, and in just two years, this vision will become a reality.
The reigning WNBA Champion New York Liberty are making a bold statement. This 75,000-square-foot complex will be a first-of-its-kind investment in women’s basketball, setting a new standard for training facilities across the WNBA.
The Liberty’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the court, is reflected in every detail of the new facility, which was designed with direct input from the team’s biggest stars—Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart—in collaboration with the renowned global design firm Populous. This player-driven approach ensures that the space is tailored to meet the unique needs of women athletes, optimizing performance, recovery, and overall well-being.
A Facility Built for the Future
With an emphasis on innovation, the Liberty’s new practice home will feature:
• Revolutionary locker room concept – Instead of traditional lockers, players will have private suites equipped with full-height wardrobes, sneaker storage, a vanity with face-illuminating mirrors, and a seven-foot daybed for recovery.
• Two full-size practice courts – Outfitted with remote cameras, data-tracking technology, and multi-video displays for on-court film review.
• Outdoor basketball court – A dedicated space for community engagement, where Liberty players can host clinics and connect with local fans.
• Rooftop dining experience – Featuring indoor and outdoor seating with skyline views, in-house private chefs, and a nutrition-focused menu.
• Expansive strength and conditioning space – A two-story training facility with a cardio balcony overlooking the practice courts.
• Cutting-edge recovery suite – Equipped with steam, sauna, hydrotherapy, a hyperbaric chamber, infrared and red-light therapy, and more to keep players performing at their best.
• In-house beauty and wellness studio – Featuring hair, nail, and makeup services to fit into players’ busy schedules.
• Family-first amenities – Two private family lounges, complete with nursery areas, ensuring that players with children have the support they need.
Beyond the player-specific areas, the facility will also include a rooftop lounge, a dedicated media workspace, a podcast and broadcast studio, and three floors of office space for the Liberty’s growing front office. As a dedication to their fanbase, the Liberty will introduce a fan-facing immersive experience, hospitality space, and a retail storefront.
A Defining Moment for the Liberty
The announcement of this cutting-edge facility further solidifies the Liberty’s long-term commitment to championship-level success and player development.
With WNBA expansion and free agency set to reshape the league in the coming years, this investment sends a clear message: New York is the place to be for elite talent.
“Today is a special day for the future of the New York Liberty and our beloved community in Brooklyn,” said Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty. “Due to the extraordinary support from our ownership group, there are no limits to what we can achieve, only possibilities. Building a state-of-the-art facility that captures the heartbeat of New York City – the world’s mecca of basketball – will ensure we remain at the forefront of the WNBA across basketball and business for generations to come.”
For Liberty players, this facility represents more than just a new home—it’s a statement of investment in their careers and well-being.
“I am grateful to be a part of an organization who recognizes the power of investment in their players and ensures we have everything we need to be at top of our game at all times,” said Sabrina Ionescu. “It was amazing to sit down with Populous and walk through what is most important to us as athletes to be successful in all aspects of our lives. This facility is a massive next step for the New York Liberty.”
Jonquel Jones echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that this project reinforces the Liberty’s commitment to sustained excellence.
“One of the main things that drew me to the New York Liberty organization is the level of investment in us as athletes,” said Jones. “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 continue to raise the bar. This facility is a perfect example of that.”
For Breanna Stewart, the team’s focus on family-friendly spaces was particularly meaningful.
“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,” Stewart said. “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.”
Setting the Standard for Women’s Sports
The Liberty’s state-of-the-art practice facility is more than just a game-changer for the team—it’s a blueprint for the future of women’s sports. By making a significant financial investment, New York is proving that WNBA teams deserve the same resources and infrastructure as their male counterparts.
“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.
As the WNBA continues to grow, the Liberty’s commitment to top-tier facilities, community engagement, and player investment makes them one of the premier franchises in the league. This facility not only ensures the team remains a destination for top talent but also strengthens their legacy as a trailblazer in women’s professional basketball.
With their Big Three—Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart—deeply involved in shaping this project, the Liberty are making it clear that they are committed to keeping their core together for years to come.
In a league on the rise, the Liberty’s new Brooklyn-based facility stands as a symbol of the WNBA’s bright future, proving that investment in women’s sports is not just necessary, but essential for long-term success.
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