Chicago Sky to Build New State-of-the-Art Practice Facility for the 2026 WNBA Season
The WNBA performance center will feature multiple regulation-sized courts, 24-hour year-round access, and community partnerships with The Obama Foundation and YMCA of Metro Chicago
CHICAGO (July 25, 2024) — The Chicago Sky, in partnership with the Village of Bedford Park, will break ground this fall on a brand new, dedicated, custom built WNBA performance center, scheduled to be completed by December 2025. The $38 million facility provides over 40 thousand square feet of exclusive space for an exceptional practice facility to Chicago Sky players and home for staff for years to come.
Located on land next to the Wintrust Sports Complex (5499 W 65th St, Bedford Park, IL 60638), the performance center will include two regulation sized WNBA courts, first class amenities, private facilities for the players, player lounges, high tech film room, advanced training room with cutting edge strength and conditioning equipment, private chef’s kitchen, locker rooms with personalized lockers, secured parking, content creation studio, beauty stations, and more.
The facility will be close to downtown Chicago and Wintrust Arena, enabling players to live downtown, simplify in-season travel, and enhance their quality of life via Chicago’s top restaurants, cultural attractions, and neighborhoods.
“We could not be more excited to announce a practice facility that will raise the bar on athletic performance, set the standard for player amenities, and support our players with exceptional resources built exclusively for them,” Nadia Rawlinson, Chicago Sky Co-Owner and Operating Chairman said. “Living in downtown Chicago will also give Sky players the opportunity to experience all of the benefits of our world class city. We thank Bedford Park who stepped up to be part of the first of its kind public-private partnership for a WNBA practice facility and to bring this transformational vision to life.”
“As a lifelong Bedford Park resident, educator, and coach, I am thrilled to announce the expansion of the Wintrust Sports Complex to feature the Chicago Sky’s state of the art practice and training facility,” Village President David R. Brady said. “I want to thank our board and the Sky leadership for believing in a collective vision and investing in the future of Bedford Park. We are excited to be part of “Skytown” and are looking forward to welcoming them to their new home.”
The Sky will also have the opportunity to strengthen its community outreach and programming, given the location’s proximity to underserved areas on Chicago’s West and South Sides. As part of the enhanced community outreach, the Sky are announcing new community partnerships with the Obama Foundation and YMCA Metro Chicago, with programming at their respective new sports facilities.
“Teaming up with the Chicago Sky has allowed us to inspire, empower, and connect more of our young people on the South Side,” Michael Strautmanis, Executive Vice President of External Affairs at the Obama Foundation said. “We’re excited to continue our work together to provide even more opportunities and investments for our community.”
“The YMCA of Metro Chicago is proud to partner with the Chicago Sky to offer exciting new activities, programming, and services to strengthen and connect our communities,” Dorri McWhorter, CEO of the YMCA of Metro Chicago, said. “We are so excited that the Chicago Sky will be practicing in our backyard and look forward to bringing the Power of Play and inspiring joy, hope, and opportunity in Bedford Park and across Skytown.”
ABOUT THE CHICAGO SKY:
The 2021 WNBA Champion Chicago Sky are a professional women’s basketball team founded in 2005 by principal owner, Michael Alter. The Chicago Sky were the first independently owned women’s professional basketball team to join the WNBA and play at the Wintrust Arena. The season runs from May-September. Call 866.SKY.WNBA or visit sky.wnba.com for more information.
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