Last month, the Los Angeles Sparks announced a brand new training and practice facility in El Segundo, CA, set to open in time for the 2027 WNBA season.
This facility marks the largest investment in a single franchise in women’s sports history, with a price tag of $150 million. Although, the Sparks are not the first to build a new training facility in recent years; the Indiana Fever, Chicago Sky, New York Liberty, and Dallas Wings are currently building facilities of their own.
However, they are the first to build one of this magnitude, pointing to a vital shift in the value placed on players and the resources used to support them
Who Designed the Sparks’ Training Facility?
Designed in partnership with Gensler, a design firm that aims to “unite creativity, research, and innovation to create impactful, cutting-edge solutions,” this facility was developed with player well-being in mind, emphasizing their success on and off the court.
Transwestern Sports & Entertainment Group served as the land acquisition advisor and is now serving as development manager and owner representative for the facility. Transwestern is also leading the development of the Phoenix Mercury’s $100 million practice facility in downtown Phoenix.
Located in El Segundo, less than 20 miles away from the Crypto.com Arena, the court that the Sparks call home, the facility serves as a representation of the diversity and culture of Los Angeles.
The interior was designed by California-based, women-led design firm Studio Blitz, known for its boundary-pushing creativity and community-centered design.
Melissa Hanley, Co-Founder & Partner at Studio Blitz, says, “Hospitality, family and women’s wellbeing were top of mind when designing these spaces. As a mother to a daughter and an architect, it’s deeply meaningful to design the Sparks’ new home— a place that propels the legacy of women’s sports forward and inspires the next generation to dream even bigger.”
El Segundo Is All In
Chris Pimental, mayor of El Segundo, expressed his excitement about the facility in a statement, saying that “This facility will set a new standard in the league, reflecting the Sparks’ commitment to excellence on and off the court and reinforcing El Segundo’s status as a premier destination for professional sports.”
This facility, complete with two WNBA-regulation basketball courts, a variety of recovery and rehabilitation facilities, wellness rooms, nap rooms, and hypnotherapy, is a powerful move by the Sparks franchise to support the all-around well-being of its athletes. In celebration of the beauty of Los Angeles, the facility features a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, with lots of natural light throughout.
What Makes This Facility Unique?
What sets this facility apart is not just the cost or quality of the facility itself, but also the commitment to players, whose needs were centered in every aspect of the development process.
Eric Holoman, Managing Partner and Governor of the Los Angeles Sparks, said in a statement, “From cutting-edge training and recovery spaces to family and community areas, every corner of this facility was designed with them at the center. It reflects our commitment to our team, our fans, and the city of Los Angeles, and sets a new standard for what a professional sports organization can provide for its athletes.”
Sparks Heading In Right Direction
So what does this facility mean for the future of the Sparks? Coming off a solid season, the Sparks finished with a 21-23 record, winning 13 more games than the previous season’s eight. The last time the Sparks finished with 20 or more wins was 2019, highlighting their vast improvements.
At the forefront of the Sparks’ successes this season was guard Kelsey Plum, who led the team in points and assists, averaging 19.5 and 5.7 per game, respectively. Plum was traded from the Las Vegas Aces just before the start of the 2025 season, where she won back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023.
Forward Dearica Hamby led in steals and came second in rebounds and points, pointing to her integral role in the Sparks’ success this season.
Hamby commented on the new facility in a post on X in response to the Sparks’ official announcement, saying that “& we made sure to have nap rooms!!! Cause I will be knocked!!!!!”. Hamby’s humorous comment reflects the holistic emphasis on players that was central to the facility’s formation.
After this record-breaking season, the Sparks are well-positioned to continue on this upward trajectory, and a state-of-the-art facility that positively impacts players’ livelihoods will likely help them to be successful in future seasons.
Although the exact address is yet to be released, fans can view the concept video and imagery here.
Leave a comment