New York Liberty announce new practice facility, at northern tip of Greenpoint, to open in 2027. New retail, too. ("Iconic skyline" of LIC, not Manhattan.)
Aiming to offer more amenities and compete for future talent--a locker room with players' "private suites," rooftop dining, and a childcare facility-- the New York Liberty yesterday announced (link) plans to build "an $80 million "state-of-the-art practice facility, spanning 75,000 square-feet, located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, on Newtown Creek and overlooking Manhattan’s iconic skyline."
In the video, CEO Keia Clarke says, "additionally there will be a retail space that will be there for the community." (The New York Times cited "a Liberty-themed coffee shop" and "a team store with exclusive merchandise.")
Skyline view
The press release stated:
Is This a W.N.B.A. Practice Space, or a Destination Spa?, the New York Times reported, citing "state-of-the-art training facilities and child care rooms — as well as a zenlike locker room."
New York to Build 75,000 Sq. Ft. Facility in Greenpoint, Brooklyn – Designed by Players, For Players
NEW YORK – The reigning WNBA Champion New York Liberty today announced that the team will build an $80-million-dollar state-of-the-art practice facility, spanning 75,000 square-feet, located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, on Newtown Creek and overlooking Manhattan’s iconic skyline. Projected to open in 2027, the Liberty’s training center underscores the organization’s dedication to providing its world-class players with unparalleled year-round resources that produce championship results and sustained success, developing groundbreaking investments throughout Brooklyn, and enabling community opportunities.
“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,” said Clara Wu Tsai, Governor of the New York Liberty. “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 facility construction costs will be fully-funded by the Liberty’s ownership group – further solidifying the team’s commitment and investment to its home borough. The new facility will also include additional opportunities for community engagement, expanding the team’s impact in Brooklyn and throughout New York City.
The New York Liberty continue to ensure player insights are woven in across the organization. Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart, on behalf of the Liberty players, collaborated with leading global design firm, Populous, to provide insights that are unique to women, optimize player performance and best accommodate their multi-faceted lifestyles. As the first-ever facility “designed by players, for players,” the New York Liberty practice facility will include elements derived by athlete insights:Revolutionary locker room concept – in lieu of traditional lockers, surrounding the player lounge area, each player will have their own private suite, equipped with a full height wardrobe and sneaker storage, a vanity with face-illuminating mirrors and lighting, and a seven-foot daybed for lounging and recovery.
Two full practice courts equipped with remote cameras and data tracking technology, as well as multi video displays for on-court film review.
Outdoor basketball court that allows for easy player access to visit and participate in clinics and to interact with the community. The Liberty are committed to growing the Brooklyn Basketball program that they and the Brooklyn Nets together support, empowering the next generation of young girls and boys.
Roof deck player dining area featuring indoor and outdoor seating with skyline views and in-house private chefs to provide an elevated dining experience.
Indoor and outdoor two-story strength training room allowing players and the team’s performance staff to create dynamic programming through its uniquely crafted, spacious layout including a cardio balcony deck overlooking the practice courts.
Full recovery suite featuring steam, sauna, massage rooms and a range of the latest in rehab and recovery technologies, including hydrotherapy, hyperbaric chamber, infrared, and red-light therapy.
In-house player hair, nail, and makeup studio ensuring players can book appointments amidst their busy schedules.
Two private family lounges including separate family and nursery areas.
“I am grateful to be a part of an organization who recognizes the power of investment in their players, and ensures we have everything we need to be at top of our game at all times,” said Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty guard. “It was amazing to sit down with Populous and walk through what is most important to us as athletes to be successful in all aspects of our lives. This facility is a massive next step for the New York Liberty.”
“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. This is what makes our organization great and why it will continue to be relevant as the years go on,” said Jonquel Jones, Liberty center. “We were thrilled to be a part of the insights process, and the results are a direct reflection of that. This is a great take on reshaping what a locker room is, because it is not only about building team chemistry, but also giving players space for personal time. It is important to let our personalities shine and have a place where you can really express yourself. This new facility is not only about functionality, it is about creating a space that truly reflects who we are as athletes and people.”
“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,” said Breanna Stewart, Liberty forward. “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.”
Additional key Liberty practice facility features will include a rooftop patio and lounge area, a broadcast and podcast studio, a dedicated media workroom, and three floors of office space for the Liberty’s growing front office staff. As a dedication to its fan base, the Liberty will also build a fan-facing immersive experience, hospitality, and a retail storefront.
The facility will pay homage to Brooklyn’s history, while looking ahead to the future. The preexisting structure, a four-story former lightbulb factory, will bring authentic character to the staff offices, dining, and administrative spaces by highlighting original exposed brick, wood flooring, and wood beams. A newly constructed 40,000 sq. ft., two story extension, will predominantly focus on the players amenities, including the locker room, training room, weight room, roof decks, recovery suite, and practice courts.
“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,” said Jonathan Kolb, General Manager, New York Liberty. “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. When our athletes step into what will be the crown jewel of the WNBA, they will see themselves and their insights reflected throughout.”
“Today is a special day for the future of the New York Liberty and our beloved community in Brooklyn,” said Keia Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, New York Liberty. “Due to the extraordinary support from our ownership group, there are no limits to what we can achieve, only possibilities. Building a state-of-the-art facility that captures the heartbeat of New York City – the world’s mecca of basketball – will ensure we remain at the forefront of the WNBA across basketball and business for generations to come. Together, we will continue to create the model for sustained success across all of women’s sports, and planting our ‘seafoam’ flag in Greenpoint signals our shared commitment to doing so.”
Click here to watch the preview video of the Liberty’s practice facility. New York’s 2025 regular season will tip-off at home on Saturday, May 17 against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center. Season memberships and single game tickets for home games at Barclays Center are on sale now at Ticketmaster, including memberships for the newly built The Toki Row and JetBlue at The Key premium clubs. To learn more and view additional ticketing options, such as group tickets and partial season plans, visit liberty.wnba.com/tickets.
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| From NY Liberty: helicopter view towards Greenpoint from Newtown Creek |
Well, it more overlooks Long Island City's impressive, if not quite iconic, skyline, as well as Greenpoint's also impressive-not-iconic skyline, as shown in images below.
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| Looking west from Pulaski Bridge. Arrow = approximate location. Photo: Norman Oder |
While the location wasn't specified, it's clear that the location is the northern tip of Manhattan Avenue, between Ash Street and Newtown Creek.
Manhattan Avenue once led to the Vernon Avenue Bridge, but in 1954 was replaced by the Pulaski Bridge, which is in the background of the New York Liberty rendering.
The new facility is designed by the firm Populous and will include a public-facing team store and coffee shop, as well as a "community-focused" outdoor basketball court.
Good location, not so close
While the northern tip of Greenpoint is industrial/commercial--the Greenpoint Manufacturing & Design Center is across the street--there are numerous new towers flanking the waterfront, and good food and shopping options within walking distance.
It's a far better location for community interaction than the Brooklyn Nets' practice facility in Sunset Park's Industry City--though that's not a goal with the latter facility.
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| Looking across Newtown Creek. Photo: Norman Oder |
Unlike the Industry City site, to which at least one player took express public transportation, this is not an easy shot from the Barclays Center, given the distance from G train, the only subway option, to both Newtown Creek and even the arena.
Still, a promotional video showed the Greenpoint Avenue subway station, which, at its northern exit (India Street), is eight blocks away.
Another video (below) quotes co-owner Clara Wu Tsai, "Finally after years of searching, we found the right space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn on the river overlooking the Manhattan skyline and also close to Barclays Center.
Not quite. Google says a 12 noon trip from Barclays Center to the location is 24 to 50 minutes by vehicle, or 36 minutes via the G train.
"Homage" to history?
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| View looking south east toward Liberty site. Photo: Norman Oder |
From the press release:
The facility will pay homage to Brooklyn’s history, while looking ahead to the future. The preexisting structure, a four-story former lightbulb factory, will bring authentic character to the staff offices, dining, and administrative spaces by highlighting original exposed brick, wood flooring, and wood beams. A newly constructed 40,000 sq. ft., two story extension, will predominantly focus on the players amenities, including the locker room, training room, weight room, roof decks, recovery suite, and practice courts.
The phrase "former lightbulb factory" suggests the building is stagnant. But the four-story brick building at 1166 Manhattan Avenue has nine commercial tenants. So it looks like they'll be displaced--perhaps with good relocation deals?
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| Screenshot from New York Liberty video |
Also, the three-story building at 1164 Manhattan Avenue, in the foreground to the south, has residential tenants and, apparently, a vacant ground-floor commercial space, as shown in my photo below. That's aimed for a retail space--a team store?--as shown in the screenshot abovet. I suspect they'd have to get permission for that signage.
In the video, CEO Keia Clarke says, "additionally there will be a retail space that will be there for the community." (The New York Times cited "a Liberty-themed coffee shop" and "a team store with exclusive merchandise.")
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| Manhattan Avenue north of Ash Street. Photo: Norman Oder |
Adds GM Jonathan Kolb, "Fans know when they visit that neighborhood. if they wish. they can go have a Liberty-type experience. How cool is that." (There are a lot of other cool things to do in the neighborhood, including local coffee shops.)
Below is a view looking west from the Pulaski Bridge between Greenpoint and Long Island City. The red arrow is the approximate location of the practice facility, including the four-story building (in white) that would be incorporated into the site.
The immediate skyline view are of Greenpoint itself, on the south side (left) of Newtown Creek, and Long Island City, on the north side. Manhattan is in the distance.
Owner funding, "community engagement"
Owner funding, "community engagement"
The press release stated:
The facility construction costs will be fully-funded by the Liberty’s ownership group – further solidifying the team’s commitment and investment to its home borough. The new facility will also include additional opportunities for community engagement, expanding the team’s impact in Brooklyn and throughout New York City.
Note that the $688 million investment by the Koch family for a 15% slide of BSE Global last year, sold at an astonishing valuation (some $5.8 billion), leaves lots of room for spending.
While the "community engagement" wasn't specified, the screenshot at right from the vide suggests a "community focused" outdoor court.
One neighbor commented on the video that nearby Box Street Park, which is supposed to have a basketball court, "has been promised to our neighborhood for untold years but they can't get moving on it."
The coverage
Is This a W.N.B.A. Practice Space, or a Destination Spa?, the New York Times reported, citing "state-of-the-art training facilities and child care rooms — as well as a zenlike locker room."
It noted that the Liberty's practice court in the Barclays Center was not always available, and that, as of 2023, only one WNBA team, had its own facility. Now teams compete to build new practice places.
Also from the Times: "And while no W.N.B.A. team is profitable, Ms. Wu Tsai said the Liberty would be 'very soon.'"
The press release
New York to Build 75,000 Sq. Ft. Facility in Greenpoint, Brooklyn – Designed by Players, For Players
NEW YORK – The reigning WNBA Champion New York Liberty today announced that the team will build an $80-million-dollar state-of-the-art practice facility, spanning 75,000 square-feet, located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, on Newtown Creek and overlooking Manhattan’s iconic skyline. Projected to open in 2027, the Liberty’s training center underscores the organization’s dedication to providing its world-class players with unparalleled year-round resources that produce championship results and sustained success, developing groundbreaking investments throughout Brooklyn, and enabling community opportunities.
“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,” said Clara Wu Tsai, Governor of the New York Liberty. “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 facility construction costs will be fully-funded by the Liberty’s ownership group – further solidifying the team’s commitment and investment to its home borough. The new facility will also include additional opportunities for community engagement, expanding the team’s impact in Brooklyn and throughout New York City.
The New York Liberty continue to ensure player insights are woven in across the organization. Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart, on behalf of the Liberty players, collaborated with leading global design firm, Populous, to provide insights that are unique to women, optimize player performance and best accommodate their multi-faceted lifestyles. As the first-ever facility “designed by players, for players,” the New York Liberty practice facility will include elements derived by athlete insights:Revolutionary locker room concept – in lieu of traditional lockers, surrounding the player lounge area, each player will have their own private suite, equipped with a full height wardrobe and sneaker storage, a vanity with face-illuminating mirrors and lighting, and a seven-foot daybed for lounging and recovery.
Two full practice courts equipped with remote cameras and data tracking technology, as well as multi video displays for on-court film review.
Outdoor basketball court that allows for easy player access to visit and participate in clinics and to interact with the community. The Liberty are committed to growing the Brooklyn Basketball program that they and the Brooklyn Nets together support, empowering the next generation of young girls and boys.
Roof deck player dining area featuring indoor and outdoor seating with skyline views and in-house private chefs to provide an elevated dining experience.
Indoor and outdoor two-story strength training room allowing players and the team’s performance staff to create dynamic programming through its uniquely crafted, spacious layout including a cardio balcony deck overlooking the practice courts.
Full recovery suite featuring steam, sauna, massage rooms and a range of the latest in rehab and recovery technologies, including hydrotherapy, hyperbaric chamber, infrared, and red-light therapy.
In-house player hair, nail, and makeup studio ensuring players can book appointments amidst their busy schedules.
Two private family lounges including separate family and nursery areas.
“I am grateful to be a part of an organization who recognizes the power of investment in their players, and ensures we have everything we need to be at top of our game at all times,” said Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty guard. “It was amazing to sit down with Populous and walk through what is most important to us as athletes to be successful in all aspects of our lives. This facility is a massive next step for the New York Liberty.”
“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. This is what makes our organization great and why it will continue to be relevant as the years go on,” said Jonquel Jones, Liberty center. “We were thrilled to be a part of the insights process, and the results are a direct reflection of that. This is a great take on reshaping what a locker room is, because it is not only about building team chemistry, but also giving players space for personal time. It is important to let our personalities shine and have a place where you can really express yourself. This new facility is not only about functionality, it is about creating a space that truly reflects who we are as athletes and people.”
“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,” said Breanna Stewart, Liberty forward. “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.”
Additional key Liberty practice facility features will include a rooftop patio and lounge area, a broadcast and podcast studio, a dedicated media workroom, and three floors of office space for the Liberty’s growing front office staff. As a dedication to its fan base, the Liberty will also build a fan-facing immersive experience, hospitality, and a retail storefront.The facility will pay homage to Brooklyn’s history, while looking ahead to the future. The preexisting structure, a four-story former lightbulb factory, will bring authentic character to the staff offices, dining, and administrative spaces by highlighting original exposed brick, wood flooring, and wood beams. A newly constructed 40,000 sq. ft., two story extension, will predominantly focus on the players amenities, including the locker room, training room, weight room, roof decks, recovery suite, and practice courts.
“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,” said Jonathan Kolb, General Manager, New York Liberty. “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. When our athletes step into what will be the crown jewel of the WNBA, they will see themselves and their insights reflected throughout.”
“Today is a special day for the future of the New York Liberty and our beloved community in Brooklyn,” said Keia Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, New York Liberty. “Due to the extraordinary support from our ownership group, there are no limits to what we can achieve, only possibilities. Building a state-of-the-art facility that captures the heartbeat of New York City – the world’s mecca of basketball – will ensure we remain at the forefront of the WNBA across basketball and business for generations to come. Together, we will continue to create the model for sustained success across all of women’s sports, and planting our ‘seafoam’ flag in Greenpoint signals our shared commitment to doing so.”
Click here to watch the preview video of the Liberty’s practice facility. New York’s 2025 regular season will tip-off at home on Saturday, May 17 against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center. Season memberships and single game tickets for home games at Barclays Center are on sale now at Ticketmaster, including memberships for the newly built The Toki Row and JetBlue at The Key premium clubs. To learn more and view additional ticketing options, such as group tickets and partial season plans, visit liberty.wnba.com/tickets.
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