New York Citys premier WNBA franchise is touting what the sports organization calls the first-ever practice facility designed by players, for players. Populous is ideating the New York Liberty venue in Brooklyns Greenpoint neighborhood, in collaboration with professional athletes and Clara Wu Tsai, Governor of the New York Liberty. Hot off their 2024 WNBA Championship win, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart have been working with Populous to inform the design of the new practice facility. In a recent press statement, the New York Liberty noted that Ionescu, Jones, and Stewart offered Populous insights that are unique to women and helped optimize player performance and best accommodate their multi-faceted lifestyles.The practice facility will connect with an existing historic building. (Courtesy New York Liberty)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, Ionescu shared. 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.Black fins line the exterior of the new building. (Courtesy New York Liberty)The practice courts will be flood with natural light. (Courtesy New York Liberty)Renderings show a sleek structure attached to the backside of an existing brick building. An array of fins enclose two full-sized practice courts and regulate sunlight. The interiors are to be lined with earth tones, wood, and masonryevoking team colors black and green. A 2-story strength training room will have a balcony deck that overlooks the practice courts.The future, 75,000-square-foot practice facility tosses away the design of conventional locker rooms with shared spaces, instead delivering a revolutionary locker room concept, in which players will have their own private suite. 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, Jones said. 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.Two full practice courts will be equipped with remote cameras and data tracking technology. Meanwhile, an outdoor basketball court will facilitate clinics between the public and Liberty players, and also the Brooklyn Nets. Three floors will be set aside for the Libertys front office staff, which has grown in recent years. There will also be a media workroom for podcasting and broadcasts.A roof deck dining area will look out toward the New York City skyline. Other building amenities include meals from private chefs, as well as wellness facilities to promote health and relaxation. Steam, sauna, and message rooms will be sited in the full recovery suite. Players can unwind in facilities for hydrotherapy, hyperbaric chambers, infrared, and red-light therapy and book appointments forhair, nail, and makeup treatments.Unlike conventional locker rooms, players will have dedicated rooms. (Courtesy New York Liberty)Additionally, two private family lounges will host separate family and nursing areas. As a mom, Im especially grateful for the family roomsit means everything to know my family is cared for while I stay locked in on my craft, Stewart said. One of the main things that drew me to the New York Liberty organization is the level of investment in us as athletes, Jones added. 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.Other women sports teams have also started investing in new, purpose-built stadiums and facilities; in California Olson Kundig is designing practice grounds for women soccer team Bay FC and Generator Studiorecently completed a new venue for the Kansas City Current.The $80 million practice facility will open in 2027.