The Phoenix Suns and Mercury opened a new training facility in November 2020 under former owner Robert Sarver. Just three years later, new owner Mat Ishbia announced plans for an additional $100 million project in Phoenix’s warehouse district in the southern part of downtown that would serve as a practice facility for the WNBA team and a business headquarters for both franchises.
The Suns and Mercury’s basketball operations staff are currently housed in a facility at 44th Street and Camelback Road, but the expansion will move the Mercury to their own space.
The eventual relocation of operations staff to the new facility will also create space in the arena for more opportunities for fan experiences.
The proposed 123,000-square-foot project south of the Footprint Center is being funded by Ishbia. Approximately 65,000 square feet will be available to store employees, while the Mercury will have 58,000 square feet as its own practice facility.
“We work every day to make the Phoenix Suns and Mercury a world-class organization on and off the field,” Ishbia said in a press release. “You create a great culture by investing in people. A basketball franchise is so much more than a normal business, it is a catalyst for change. I am excited to make an investment that builds on our vision for the Phoenix Suns and Mercury to continue to invest in our players, team members, fans and community.”
Ishbia told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst that the practice facility is expected to be completed by the start of the 2024 WNBA season.
The Mercury’s facility will include two exercise courts and 10 baskets, a private kitchen and chef, as well as private fitness rooms, hot and cold pools and underwater treadmills, a movie area and a family lounge.
According to a press release, the campus “will include, among other things, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, an indoor arcade, a pickleball court and putting green, a training facility and a demonstration kitchen with free drinks and healthy snacks for team members.”
Transwestern’s Sports and Entertainment Advisory Group assisted Ishbia’s teams with the real estate transaction and will also assist with design and construction.