The Chicago Sky is building a new home for its players. The team is finishing a $60 million practice facility in Bedford Park, Illinois. This project is a big step for women’s sports. It shows that owners are finally spending large amounts of money to give female athletes the same tools as men.
A Massive Upgrade for the Players
For many years, WNBA teams had to share gym space with college teams or local public centers. The Chicago Sky is changing that. Their new building is 80,000 square feet. It is much larger than the first plan, which was only 52,000 square feet. The team decided to spend $20 million more than they first planned to make sure it is one of the best in the world.
The facility is located very close to Midway Airport. It is also only about 15 minutes away from Wintrust Arena, where the team plays its games. This makes life much easier for the players, who used to have to drive a long way to practice in the suburbs. The building is expected to be ready by late spring in 2026.
The $60 million price tag paid for many special features. Inside, there are two full basketball courts. There is also a large weight room with the latest machines. Because professional basketball is hard on the body, the team built special recovery rooms. These rooms have hot and cold tubs, a sauna, and an infrared room to help players heal after games.
The facility also thinks about the players’ lives outside of basketball. There is a private kitchen where a chef can cook healthy meals. There is a special room for hair and makeup, which helps players prepare for media events. There is even a studio for making social media videos. Nadia Rawlinson, the team’s co-owner, said that they want to be “on the forefront” of giving women everything they need to be great at their jobs.
A Big Bet on Women’s Sports
Spending $60 million on a practice gym is a sign that the WNBA is growing. In the past, people were not sure if women’s basketball could make enough money to support such expensive buildings. Now, more people are watching the games than ever before. Ticket sales are up, and more fans are buying jerseys.
Michael Alter, the main owner of the Sky, believes this is a smart move for the future. He noted that the team took extra time to “rethink” the building to make sure it was perfect. He and other leaders feel that women’s sports are no longer just a small project. They are a real business that deserves real investment. Other teams in the league, like those in Seattle and Las Vegas, have also opened their own private facilities recently.
Helping the Local Community
The Chicago Sky is not just building this for themselves. They are working with the Village of Bedford Park and groups like the YMCA. The team wants to use the space to host basketball camps for kids. They hope to inspire young girls in Chicago to play sports and work hard.
By putting the facility on the South Side of Chicago, the team is staying close to its fans. This location helps the team connect with the local neighborhood. It shows that the Sky plans to stay in Chicago for a very long time.
When the building opens in 2026, it will set a new standard for the whole league. As the WNBA adds new teams in other cities, players will look at facilities like this one when they decide which team to join. High-quality gyms help teams attract the best players in the world.
With young stars like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso on the roster, the Chicago Sky is preparing for a bright future. This $60 million facility proves that the team is serious about winning championships. It is a clear message that women’s basketball has arrived and is here to stay.
