Inside the New York Liberty’s lavish $80M Brooklyn training complex — with private locker suites and a beauty salon
The New York Liberty, riding high after clinching the WNBA title, are doubling down on their success with plans for a new $80 million training complex in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood, slated for completion in 2027.
The 75,000-square-foot facility, financed entirely by the team’s ownership, will transform a former lightbulb factory near Newtown Creek into a cutting-edge base tailored to the needs of the roster, with star players like Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart collaborating with design firm Populous to shape its features.
Team Governor Clara Wu Tsai underscored the investment’s focus in a statement: “We are a player-first organization and investing in health and wellness has always been a priority for us. The New York Liberty deserve a facility of their own: one that reflects their tremendous talent, work ethic and ambition. This facility is a sign of our commitment to the team, to the city of New York, and to the advancement of women’s sports.”
The setup will boast advanced basketball courts equipped with remote cameras, data analytics and video screens for instant film review, alongside a two-story fitness area and a recovery wing featuring a sauna, a steam room and a hyperbaric chamber.
Beyond performance, the project prioritizes player comfort and community ties.
Each athlete will have a private locker suite with a wardrobe, sneaker storage, a vanity and a 7-foot daybed — while an on-site salon for hair, makeup and nails aims to streamline schedules.
Family-friendly lounges with nurseries cater to players like Stewart, who noted, “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.”
An outdoor court will host local clinics, leveraging the facility’s proximity to boost team outreach.
Jones highlighted the ownership’s alignment with the squad’s championship drive.
“One of the main things that drew me to the New York Liberty organization is the level of investment in us as athletes. 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 continues to raise the bar, and this facility is a perfect example of that.”
Stewart added, “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.”
The development blends old and new: the original factory’s brick and timber structure will house offices, a media room and a broadcast studio, while a 40,000-square-foot addition will contain most player amenities.
Fans won’t be left out, with plans for a retail and hospitality zone offering an “immersive experience.”
General Manager Jonathan Kolb framed it as a competitive edge.
“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. A key part of this process has been the active involvement of our players in creating a year-round home for themselves and their families, and the collaborative effort to redefine the standard of player care and experience.”
The Liberty’s momentum follows a banner 2024 season, with home attendance at Barclays Center surging 64% since their 2019 move to Brooklyn, capped by a citywide celebration of their first championship.
