Thursday September 28, 2023

Chicago Sky Begin Exploring Locations For New Team Facility 

  • The Sky have practiced out of a public recreation center in Deerfield since 2011.
  • Owners of the Liberty, Aces, and Storm have recently invested in WNBA team facilities.
The Aces, Liberty, and Storm are other WNBA teams to recently invest in new facilities.
Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Front Office Sports Today

Bucks Go All-In on Giannis Era

The Milwaukee Bucks altered the NBA by swinging a deal for Damian Lillard.
Listen Now
September 28, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

The Chicago Sky have begun scouting locations to open their practice facility as it looks to contend with other WNBA franchises in enhancing amenities for players. 

“Now is the right time. If we can find the right location and opportunity, we’re going to do it,” Sky principal owner Michael Alter told the Chicago Sun-Times

A new practice facility for the Sky reportedly is unlikely to be completed before 2025. The Sky have been in the WNBA since 2005 but do not own their practice facility like most other WNBA teams. Since 2011, the Sky have practiced at the Sachs Recreation Center, a public gym in the Deerfield suburb of Chicago. 

After Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai bought the New York Liberty in 2019 and moved the team into the state-of-the-art Barclays Center, a few other WNBA teams have followed plans to improve their facilities. 

The Las Vegas Aces opened its 64,000-square-foot practice facility in May, making it the first practice venue built specifically for a WNBA team. The Seattle Storm has also broken ground on a $64 million practice facility project set to open in time for the 2024 season.

An upgraded practice facility figures to make the Sky a more attractive landing spot for free agents. 

“We have to keep up with the Joneses,” Sky guard Kahleah Copper told the Chicago Sun-Times. “As WNBA players, it’s important for us to be taken care of. We’ve gotten so relaxed in just settling for whatever it is we have, but we should demand and want more. This organization is so great that a facility just for us is a game changer.”

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bay Area WNBA Expansion Latest Step In League Growth

A new team is reportedly coming to the Bay Area.
Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob walks alone the baseline during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.

Warriors Owner Reportedly Adding A Bay Area WNBA Franchise

An official announcement could come as soon as early October.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Sponsored

How Daktronics Helps Elite Athletic Programs Secure Top Talent

How colleges are utilizing Daktronics' displays to elevate recruiting.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Bucks Go All-In on Giannis Era

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

BioSteel

BioSteel Bankruptcy Shows Perils of Costly Sports Partnerships

BioSteel spent heavily on partnerships deals before bankruptcy.
Taylor Swift at Chiefs vs. Bears game.
September 27, 2023

Taylor Swift NFL Hype Likely To Continue Another Week

Swift could drive blockbuster TV ratings for NBC's "Sunday Night Football."
September 27, 2023

Lillard And Giannis Pairing Could Be Big For The NBA, Too

Bucks to be featured on national TV 19 times this season
September 27, 2023

Magic Johnson Open To Knicks Minority Ownership Stake

Basketball Hall of Famer only interested in specific NBA franchise

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations
Olympique-Lyonnais

French Soccer Club Lyon Seeking $300M Capital Raise

The club was sold for a record price last French year.
Golden State Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. recognizes the impact the NBA’s new second tax apron rule could have on his organization.
September 27, 2023

Warriors GM Feels ‘Targeted’ With NBA’s New Tax, Rest Rules

"They're making rules to prevent you from succeeding,” Mike Dunleavy said.
September 26, 2023

Fire Owner Mansueto Bets On Messi To Elevate His Own Team

MLS team owner plans series of promotions, game enhancements
A Chicago Bears helmet.
September 26, 2023

Arlington Heights Looks To Break Stadium Logjam With Bears

Village board cites striking Bears deal as its top priority
A view of a Manchester United badge on the corner flag.
September 26, 2023

Ratcliffe Reworking Bid To Buy Manchester United

It is still unclear whether the Glazers will sell the club.
September 26, 2023

Sounders Eye Leaving Lumen Field For Soccer-Specific Stadium

MLS club considers further development at forthcoming training complex
September 25, 2023

Commanders Still Face Legal Fight Over Former Name

Team, owner accused by non-profit of defamatory conduct
Rob-Manfred-MLB
September 25, 2023

Oakland-MLB Relationship Devolves Into Next-Level Toxicity

Commissioner, mayor have very different accounts of July meeting