Many teams in the WNBA lack a practice facility of their own. They jump from place to place, some of them sharing resources with their local colleges or NBA counterparts. Some of the teams have their own home, some don’t. The W is catching up to their male counterparts, however, with organizations doing more and more for their players. The Indiana Fever is the latest to invest in the future. They are revamping its practice facilities, and star Caitlin Clark is all for it!

In a recent Instagram post, the Fever unveiled the concept of a 108,000-square-foot training complex that would be built by the start of the 2027 season. Clark, their star guard, shared this post on her story almost immediately.

Such a facility would be the largest in the WNBA. This honor previously belonged to the Las Vegas Aces, who boasts a 64,000-square-foot training complex with world-class facilities. The Fever plans on breaking ground on this $78 million project on the site of the old jail this summer with no official date announced so far. Caitlin Clark and her teammates have a lot to look forward to, with two courts, weight room, world-class recovery protocols, and more being announced by the Indiana team.

This practice complex would be a great use for the old jail, and would be heaven-sent for the Fever. They are building towards a championship season, with Caitlin Clark headlining their roster. There is a long wait until the Fever will be able to use this facility, but both fans and stars are excited! However, upgrading practice facilities seems to be a trend for many NBA teams as well which begs the question of necessity or excess.

Are NBA teams in need of an upgrade? Or is it a show of power?

NBA teams have access to a lot. Owners spend top dollar on their organizations to make sure that they have a leg up against the competition. It seems like every few months a new team has their facility or stadium upgraded. Recent examples that come to mind are the Cleveland Cavaliers, who announced a huge 210,000 sq. ft stadium to be inaugurated in 2027, as well as the Clippers and their Inuit Dome. So much expenditure begs the question–how much is too much?

Well, building facilities costs a lot. The Fever are putting in $78 million for their world-class structure, while the UCLA Health Training Centre, and the Magic paid a similar amount as well.

The necessity of these buildings is evident. World class athletes require world class resources if they are to stay healthy year-round, no doubt about that. However, excessive spending might not be the way forward either. If NBA teams treat these necessary expenses as a competition, or an arms race as some are calling it, then the product might be detrimental rather than beneficial. Nevertheless, fans and players alike are excited for the construction of the Fever practice complex. It could be a missing piece of the puzzle for the WNBA team.