The Chicago Sky will be breaking ground this fall on a new training facility in the Village of Bedford Park.
This $38 million, 40,000-square-foot facility will be situated next to the Wintrust Sports Complex. It will feature two regulation-sized WNBA courts, top-notch amenities, private player facilities, player lounges, a high-tech film room, an advanced training room equipped with strength and conditioning gear, a private chef’s kitchen, personalized locker rooms, secured parking, a content creation studio, beauty stations, and more.
Nadia Rawlinson, Chicago Sky co-owner and operating chairman, expressed her excitement, stating:
We are thrilled to introduce a practice facility that will elevate athletic performance, set new standards for player amenities, and provide our players with exceptional resources designed specifically for them. By living in downtown Chicago, Sky players will have the opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of our world-class city. We extend our thanks to Bedford Park for being part of this groundbreaking public-private partnership for a WNBA practice facility and for helping bring this transformative vision to reality.
The new facility will enable the team to expand its community outreach efforts on the West and South sides of Chicago. Collaborations with the Obama Foundation and YMCA Metro Chicago will lead to the implementation of outreach programs. Michael Strautmanis, executive vice president of external affairs at the Obama Foundation, stated:
Partnering with the Chicago Sky has enabled us to inspire, empower, and connect more young people on the South Side. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to offer additional opportunities and investments for our community.
Dorri McWhorter, CEO of the YMCA of Metro Chicago, added:
The YMCA of Metro Chicago is honored to work alongside the Chicago Sky in providing new activities, programs, and services to fortify and unite our communities. We are excited for the Chicago Sky to practice right in our neighborhood, bringing the Power of Play and spreading joy, hope, and opportunity in Bedford Park and beyond Skytown.
Previously, the Sky had been practicing at the Sachs Recreation Center, a public park facility in Deerfield, where they had to share the space with local residents. Talks among players, executives, and fans concerning the need for an upgraded facility have been ongoing.
The construction of the new facility is scheduled to be completed by December 2025, just in time for the start of the 2026 WNBA season.
