The Los Angeles Sparks are setting a new benchmark for women's professional sports.

The franchise announced plans for a $150 million ($227.7 million AUD), 55,000 square-foot practice and training facility in El Segundo, scheduled to open ahead of the 2027 WNBA season.

More than a home base, the facility is positioned as a bold statement about the Sparks' commitment to their players, fans, and the future of the league.

A first-of-its-kind investment

The project represents the largest single-team investment in women's sports history, underpinning how the Sparks are pushing beyond the traditional boundaries of what support for female athletes can look like.

Designed in partnership with global architecture firm Gensler, the building takes cues from the elegance of basketball itself, incorporating sweeping curves, panoramic ocean views, and an emphasis on natural light.

According to team leadership, the vision behind the facility extends beyond just creating a high-tech gym. For LA Sparks Governor, Eric Holoman, it's about providing athletes with an environment where they can excel on the court while finding balance and support off it.

Player-centered innovation

According to the Sparks' official press release, the facility is being designed around holistic athlete well-being, with features including:

  • WNBA's first-ever indoor-outdoor recovery sanctuary, complete with a spa pool and hydrotherapy suites
  • Dedicated nap rooms and meditation spaces, recognising rest as a performance tool
  • Circular locker rooms are built to foster team cohesion
  • Two full-sized WNBA courts and a sunlit weight room engineered for energy and recovery

It's a model that reimagines how a professional basketball environment can support its athletes year-round, echoing trends seen in elite men's facilities but tailored uniquely for the women's game.

Community and culture

City leaders in El Segundo welcomed the announcement, noting that the facility not only reinforces the Sparks' commitment to excellence but also strengthens the city's reputation as a growing hub for professional sports.

Beyond training spaces, the complex will also include family and community areas, making it a gathering point for fans and residents as much as a headquarters for the team.

Studio Blitz, a women-run design firm, has shaped the interiors to emphasise connection and empowerment, reinforcing the Sparks' identity as both a team and a movement.

A statement about the future

For the Sparks, the facility isn't just about keeping pace with their competitors; it's about setting the bar.

In an era where conversations about equity in sports are louder than ever, Los Angeles is putting tangible resources behind its words.

The Sparks have long been one of the WNBA's flagship franchises, with three championships and a history of star talent. Now, with this investment, they are redefining what infrastructure in women's sports can be.

Come 2027, the Sparks won't just walk into a new building; they'll be walking into a future that feels bigger, brighter, and built to last.