There are only two WNBA teams— the Seattle Storm and the Las Vegas Aces—that have their own practice facilities. The Phoenix Mercury will become the third team to get one, according to owner Mat Ishbia.
Ishbia, who acquired the Mercury as part of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns takeover last year, unveiled his plans, which include shared headquarters for the two franchises on Thursday in a chat with ESPN.
“We want to have one of the greatest sports organizations in the world,” Ishbia told the media outlet. “And to do that you have to invest in the people.”
Ishbia plans for the Mercury to move into their practice facility before the start of the 2024 WNBA season.
“I don’t like things that take two years. We’re going to do it right, and we’re going to do it fast,” Ihe added. “It’s going to be a special place for the Mercury.”
The Mercury are currently practicing in the same facility as the Suns. But while it’s a modern complex, built in 2021, the feeling was that there is not enough room to comfortably support two teams.
The Mercury’s practice facility will cover 58,000 square feet and feature state-of-the-art amenities, including two full courts, a fitness center with hydrotherapy, and a kitchen with full kitchen staff.
