WNBA: Practice facilities

[Huskie837]

From the Athletic today announcing the LA Sparks are building a practice facility:

“The absence of a dedicated facility used to be a common experience for WNBA players across the league; however, the recent ownership arms race has led to most teams building their own facilities. A divide has emerged in free agency between the “haves” and the “have nots,” as players target franchises with better amenities.

Seattle and Phoenix opened new practice spaces in 2024, while Dallas and Chicago are on track to debut theirs in 2026. Additionally, commissioner Cathy Engelbert has made it incumbent upon expansion teams to have facilities when submitting bids. Los Angeles is merely following suit, as Atlanta and Connecticut are the only other teams out of 13 without their own practice facility or a plan to build one.”

Beginning to wonder about the long term future of the Sun. Maybe that Boston game is a preview to a move…

 

[cancontent]

From the Athletic today announcing the LA Sparks are building a practice facility:

“The absence of a dedicated facility used to be a common experience for WNBA players across the league; however, the recent ownership arms race has led to most teams building their own facilities. A divide has emerged in free agency between the “haves” and the “have nots,” as players target franchises with better amenities.

Seattle and Phoenix opened new practice spaces in 2024, while Dallas and Chicago are on track to debut theirs in 2026. Additionally, commissioner Cathy Engelbert has made it incumbent upon expansion teams to have facilities when submitting bids. Los Angeles is merely following suit, as Atlanta and Connecticut are the only other teams out of 13 without their own practice facility or a plan to build one.”

Beginning to wonder about the long term future of the Sun. Maybe that Boston game is a preview to a move…

Isn't the Sun's future complicated because of the ownership situation? Not sure how it works in the US, but I know First Nation tribes in Canada who have businesses like casinos and hotels prefer to have anything related to their businesses built on their land. Usually the primary benefit is tax related, but they also have their own governance in place when it comes to construction, etc. as well.

 

[Bigboote]

Isn't the Sun's future complicated because of the ownership situation? Not sure how it works in the US, but I know First Nation tribes in Canada who have businesses like casinos and hotels prefer to have anything related to their businesses built on their land. Usually the primary benefit is tax related, but they also have their own governance in place when it comes to construction, etc. as well.

I think there’s plenty of tribal space for a practice facility. Some of the land is protected for archaeological purposes, but I think there’s enough free space left.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been there; I’m happy to be corrected.