The Phoenix Mercury unveiled its new, state-of-the-art practice facility on Thursday in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. This new facility is 58,000-square-feet and is worth $100 million.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This facility was released right in time to kickstart WNBA All-Star weekend, which will be held in Phoenix at the Footprint Center. Many notable athletes and executives showed up to support, but none of this would be possible without the impact of Diana Taurasi.
“As a fan my whole life, I watched her when she was at UConn, I watched her [with] the Phoenix Mercury [and] win three championships here. I’ve been a fan of her my whole life,” said Mercury owner Mat Ishbia. “You realize she’s synonymous with the name Phoenix Mercury. Diana Taurasi. You can’t build an arena or court without having her name or recognition in here.”
The reveal of Dee’s decal! pic.twitter.com/AdBEieNDLn
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 19, 2024
On the court, you can see a Taurasi inspired logo, decorated to continue her legacy once she inevitably retires.
Ishbia has talked at nauseam about setting the standard and raising what is expected for both the Mercury and the Suns. He’s expressed the need to invest into both franchises to allow continued growth — and the opening of this new facility is just the start.
“I bought the team a little bit less than 18 months ago, we talked about the Suns and the Mercury,” Ishbia said. “We’re going to put them on a pedestal, and we’re going to treat them great, invest in both of them.”
“It’s easy to say, [but] it’s sometimes harder to do,” Ishbia added. “We’re just getting started.”
This luxurious facility includes a new-and-improved film room, pool, locker room with saunas, a quality weight room, and much more. The Mercury become just the third WNBA team to open an exclusive facility — along with the Storm and the Aces.
This gives the Mercury an extra advantage when recruiting potential free agents — but more than that — Ishbia is looking to set the standard for the rest of the league to follow.
“Is it going to help us draw more free agents? Yes, it will,” Ishbia said. “I hope the rest of the league rises up. That’s what it’s about. Of course, I want to win all championships… We want to have the most championships of all time. We have three, the number one team has four. We’re going to beat them, we’re going to pass that. But I want the whole league to rise up, and I think this is a great inflection point of this league right now, and that’s why we want to make this WNBA All-Star like no other.”
WNBA All-Star festivities will commence on Friday, starting with the skills and 3-point competition at 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
WATCH: Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Isbhia speaks on unveiling of new $100M practice facility
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Justin LaCertosa covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @LaCertosaSports
