Latest New York Liberty announcement puts more pressure on Connecticut Sun

The Liberty are the latest WNBA team to formally announce plans for a state-of-the-art practice facility — further shining light on the franchises who don’t have such plans.

On Thursday, the New York Liberty announced that the defending champions would be building an $80 million, 75,000 square foot state-of-the-art practice facility. The facility, which is expected to open ahead of the 2027 season, will be in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and boast a slew of amenities, including:

1. Two full practice courts equipped with remote cameras and data tracking technology for on-court film review.
2. An outdoor basketball court that allows for easy player access to visit and participate in clinics and to interact with the community.
3. Roof deck player dining area featuring indoor and outdoor seating with skyline views and private chefs
4. Two-story strength training room that is both indoor and outdoors and includes a cardio balcony deck overlooking the practice courts.
5. Full recovery suite featuring steam, sauna, massage rooms, hydrotherapy, hyperbaric chamber, infrared, and red-light therapy.
6. In-house player hair, nail, and makeup studio
7. Two private family lounges, including separate family and nursery areas.

Liberty stars Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones all provided feedback in the design process.

“We are a player-first organization, and investing in health and wellness has always been a priority for us,” said Liberty governor Clara Wu Tsai. “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 Liberty’s announcement puts pressure on the Connecticut Sun, other franchises

Jones, who won Finals MVP with the team last year, praised the Liberty for their continued investment in the franchise.

“One of the main things that drew me to the New York Liberty organization is the level of investment in us as athletes,” she said. “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. This is what makes our organization great and why it will continue to be relevant as the years go on.”

Jones’ comments are a reminder that the Liberty’s announcement will put pressure on other franchise to follow suit. The 2021 MVP was previously on the Connecticut Sun, but requested a trade in 2023 and was sent the Liberty.

Today, the Sun are one of the only WNBA teams without a practice facility or official plans to build one — a reality that former star players like Alyssa Thomas have lamented. While President Jen Rizzotti has expressed her confidence that all franchises will have their own facilities by 2028, the reality is that Connecticut still practice at the Mohegan Community and Government Center, where they are often deprioritized when other events come up.

“It’s normal at this point. I mean, Mohegan has to do better,” Thomas told The Next Hoops after the team had to share their practice facility with a birthday party during the postseason. “We’re a professional team. We’re competing for the playoffs. And yeah, to have to share your court with a two-year-old[s] birthday party. [It’s] the ultimate disrespect... We need more, we need better to compete at the highest level.”

As franchises look to recruit free agents moving forward, what kinds of amenities are offered will undoubtedly be a factor. The Liberty, with their elaborate announcement, are helping set a new standard that other franchises will have to compete with.