It’s one good news after the other! The defending champs, New York Liberty, are ready to build on last season’s success. And Breanna Stewart and company have every reason to be excited! The Liberty front office has big plans in store, setting the stage for a new era. Exciting times are ahead in New York! But not everyone is excited about this. Questions are being asked. How are the Liberty funding this?

“We are a player-first organization and investing in health and wellness has always been a priority for us. The New York Liberty deserve a facility of their own: one that reflects their tremendous talent, work ethic, and ambition,” said the Governor of the New York Liberty. “This facility is a sign of our commitment to the team, to the city of New York, and to the advancement of women’s sports.”

Earlier today, the Liberty unveiled plans for a brand-new, state-of-the-art training headquarters. The project comes with a price tag of nearly $80 million. The facility will feature top-tier amenities, including an outdoor court and two full practice courts, among many other upgrades.

While the Liberty’s new headquarters marks a milestone, it’s a stark contrast to the league’s broader reality. Many WNBA teams still lack dedicated facilities, with the Las Vegas Aces only recently opening their own $40 million space in 2023. This uneven investment across the league may explain why some fans and players aren’t universally impressed—$80 million is a win for the Liberty, but it doesn’t lift the entire WNBA.

The WNBA community didn’t hold back when the news dropped. Frustrated fans flooded social media, sharing their thoughts on the situation. Let’s dive into some of their reactions!

Fans puzzled after Breanna Stewart’s team announces plans to build new facility

Fans were clearly upset when the news about the new facility broke. One fan took to X, asking, “Does the @WNBA even make that in a year?” Another fan joined in saying,“hang on… if the WNBA is partially funded by the NBA, how did the NY Liberty fund this facility?” Another fan joined in, asking if the WNBA still loses money “Do they still lose money annually like the Salvation Army?”

Yes, it’s true that the WNBA doesn’t currently make a profit. In fact, the league is still losing money. Despite the rise in viewership and ticket sales since the arrival of Caitlin Clark, the WNBA lost close to $50m last year. The WNBA’s financial landscape is shifting, with revenue forecasts topping $200 million, buoyed by Caitlin Clark’s star power and new TV contracts. The Liberty’s $80 million gamble aligns with this upward trend, betting on future profitability. Yet, with the league still posting losses, some fans wonder if the money could bolster smaller franchises or league-wide initiatives rather than a single team’s glitzy HQ. The NBA, which owns about 50% of the WNBA as of 2023, provides the league with an annual endowment of over $15 million.

So, what does this have to do with the NY Liberty’s new facility? Absolutely nothing when it comes to the WNBA’s annual earnings! As one fan pointed out on X, “Owner, backers, sponsors, the list goes on.” The construction costs of the facility will be fully funded by the Liberty’s ownership group, led by Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai. Sources close to the project confirm it’s a mix of private investment and sponsorships from brands eager to align with the WNBA’s rising stars. So, it’s the support from the owners and sponsors, not the league’s financial struggles, that makes this possible.

Some fans were also buzzing with excitement about the upcoming training center. One fan, in particular, was drawn to the fact that the plan includes an outdoor court! They took to X to ask,“Looks cool but is the court outside 🫣😅.” The excitement is definitely buzzing among fans and players alike. While some fans were still puzzled about how the Liberty could afford it, most of them understand the real story behind it and are looking forward to what the future holds for the Liberty!