Chicago’s WNBA team, the Chicago Sky, announced that it will begin construction on a $38 million training facility in Bedford Park this fall.
The facility has a price tag of $38 million and will be built next to the Wintrust Sports Complex, 5499 W. 65.th St. Completion is planned for December 2025.
The facility will provide over 40,000 square feet of exclusive space for an exceptional training facility for Chicago Sky players and a home for staff for years to come.
The Performance Center includes two standard-size WNBA courts, first-class amenities, private player facilities, player lounges, a state-of-the-art film room, an advanced training room with state-of-the-art strength and conditioning equipment, a private kitchen, locker rooms with personalized lockers, secured parking, a content creation studio and beauty stations.
The facility will replace Sky’s current practice center in Deerfield.
“We are thrilled to announce a training facility that will raise the bar for athletic performance, set new standards for player amenities and support our players with exceptional resources built exclusively for them,” said Nadia Rawlinson, Chicago Sky co-owner and president of operations. “Living in downtown Chicago also provides Sky players the opportunity to take advantage of all that our world-class city has to offer. We thank Bedford Park for agreeing to be part of the first-of-its-kind public-private partnership for a WNBA training facility and bringing this transformative vision to life.”
“As a lifelong Bedford Park resident, educator and coach, I am thrilled to announce the expansion of the Wintrust Sports Complex to incorporate the Chicago Sky’s state-of-the-art practice and training facility,” said Bedford Park Mayor David R. Brady. “I want to thank our board and Sky leadership for believing in a shared vision and investing in the future of Bedford Park. We are thrilled to be part of ‘Skytown’ and look forward to welcoming them to their new home.”
Additionally, given the site’s proximity to underserved areas on Chicago’s West and South Sides, the Sky will have the opportunity to strengthen its community engagement and programs. As part of its increased community engagement, the Sky is announcing new partnerships with the Obama Foundation and YMCA Metro Chicago, which will offer programs at their respective new athletic facilities.
“By partnering with Chicago Sky, we have been able to inspire, encourage and connect more young people on the South Side,” said Michael Strautmanis, executive vice president for external relations at the Obama Foundation. “We are excited to continue our collaboration to bring even more opportunities and investments to our community.”
“The YMCA of Metro Chicago is proud to partner with the Chicago Sky to offer exciting new activities, programs and services that strengthen and connect our communities,” said Dorri McWhorter, CEO of the YMCA of Metro Chicago. “We are so excited to have the Chicago Sky train in our backyard and look forward to bringing the power of play and inspiring joy, hope and opportunity in Bedford Park and throughout Skytown.”
The Chicago Sky, the 2021 WNBA champions, are a professional women’s basketball team founded in 2005 by principal owner Michael Alter. The Chicago Sky were the first independent professional women’s basketball team to join the WNBA and play at Wintrust Arena. The season runs from May to September.
The Sky won the WNBA championship in 2021.
