Chicago Sky’s $38M practice facility could set WNBA standard

The WNBA’S Chicago Sky plans to build a $38 million practice and training facility in Bedford Park, Costar reported. 

The  40,000-square-foot development, called Sky Town, will be built in a partnership with the Village of Bedford Park. The property is about 10 miles from the Wintrust Arena, where the team plays its home games, and near Midway International Airport. It is due for completion in December of next year, in time for the 2026 WNBA season. 

The facility will include two WNBA regulation courts, player lounges, a high tech film room, an advanced training room, a kitchen, and a content creation studio, according to a news release. The location will allow Sky players to live in downtown Chicago, the release states.

The Alter Group’s Michael Alter, principal owner of the Chicago Sky, leveraged his expertise in commercial real estate to help make Sky Town a reality.

The development coincides with a surge in WNBA ticket sales, driven in part by the record-setting Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, who the media has pitted against the Sky’s Angel Reese. It also coincides with a $7 billion development plan around the United Center by the owners of Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks.

Some pro sports teams have intentionally positioned their practice facilities as part of greater real estate developments, such as the Dallas Cowboys’ The Star in Frisco and the San Antonio Spurs’ upcoming Victory Capital Performance Center.

The Chicago Sky’s deal includes partnerships with the Obama Foundation and YMCA Metro Chicago, whose programs will have access to the training facility. It will be developed on land next to the Wintrust Sports Complex, a youth sports facility at 5499 West 65th Street.

The Sky, the first independently owned women’s professional basketball team to join the WNBA, is expected to set a new standard for WNBA facilities.

— Andrew Terrell

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