Over the past few years, the WNBA’s popularity has gone up a lot, and naturally, the money has followed. With new media deals, expansion teams, higher attendance, and booming merchandise sales, league revenue has surged. Sensing this growth, many teams began investing in upgraded training facilities. But the Las Vegas Aces were ahead of the curve, unveiling theirs back in 2023.

When majority owner Mark Davis bought the franchise in early 2021, he was determined to build a world-class facility. Plans kicked off that February, construction began by October, and by April 2023, the doors were open. What was unveiled wasn’t just a building where players could train; it was a new marker laid down. A new standard for the rest of the 11 franchises (12 now) to follow.

Spanning 64,000 square feet in Henderson, Nevada, the Aces’ facility was the first in the WNBA built exclusively for a single team. The project was brought to life by Julie Amacker and Shannon Miller of CAA Icon. Even NBA players had taken notice of its greatness. New York Knicks guard Josh Hart tweeted, “Aces would have a top 5 facility in the NBA”. 

But what’s so great about it?

Let’s get to know 10 things that you maybe didn’t know about this $40 million WNBA headquarters.

Two Full Courts

Set in a massive area of 64,000 square feet, the training facility has two full-length basketball courts. These courts come in handy during extensive training sessions as the coaching staff can try out multiple lineups at once, or carry out particular offensive and defensive drills simultaneously. Two separate courts also make it easier for players to go through their post-training shootarounds or free-throw practices quickly.

The courts are built with high-end features: retractable seating for ~400, LED scoreboards (4 of them) that display broadcast/live content or highlights, sound systems, etc., which give practice a more “game-day” feel even during training. Both full-length courts also feature center-court logos that read “Las Vegas Aces World Champions.”

Locker Room

It might sound simple, but the Aces’ locker room is designed to feel like a retreat. Spacious, sleek, and loaded with comfort, it gives players a place to unwind and connect during the long season. Plush furniture and cozy lounge areas make it as much a hangout spot as a prep room.

Each player gets a personalized locker with their own nameplate, a built-in TV, and a Mac mini PC. The room also features an 85-inch display for watching game footage or live broadcasts, plus a Bluetooth-enabled sound system that can be controlled from wall touchscreens or mobile devices—so players can set the mood however they like. The bathrooms are just as luxurious, with individual vanities, frosted-glass showers, and backlit mirrors equipped with multiple outlets.

Team Shop

Unlike most WNBA teams that rely on pop-up or game-day stores, the Aces have a permanent shop stocked with official merchandise. Just like their home arena, the training facility’s store is filled with Aces gear, boosting both sales and fan engagement, especially during open practices or special visits.

The shop is built right into their training facility, located near the public entrance of their headquarters. And fans don’t have to wait for game days; they can drop by and pick up their favorite gear whenever the facility is open

Weight Room

No practice facility is complete without a great weight room, and the Las Vegas Aces’ setup definitely lives up to the hype. It’s every athlete’s dream, packed with everything you could possibly need. There are treadmills, bikes, rowers, and ellipticals for cardio, alongside power racks, squat racks, and plenty of free weights — basically, all the gear players need to get in game-ready shape.

Cold & Hot Plunge Pools

After a tough training or weight session, proper recovery is key, and the Las Vegas Aces’ facility makes it easy. The space features both hot and cold plunge pools: cold pools help cool down muscles quickly and reduce soreness, while hot pools relax muscles and boost circulation. Players can soak in the tubs for recovery, or just to unwind, while catching a show on the wall-mounted TV.

HydroWorx

Injuries are part of professional sports, even if no one likes them. Proper recovery is crucial to prevent re-injury and get players back at full strength. The Aces’ facility tackles this with HydroWorx, a cutting-edge underwater treadmill. It lets players do low-impact exercises, a key part of rehabbing from serious injuries, so they can safely regain strength and mobility while minimizing stress on their bodies.

Infrared Sauna

Yet another important amenity to promote players’ wellness and recovery is the infrared sauna. These saunas help players to recover from muscle soreness and stiffness. The infrared light heats the body gently, which then promotes deep tissue relaxation. This is used in combination with another modern feature included in the Las Vegas Aces’ training facility.

Cryo Chamber

Another important element in promoting players’ recovery and wellness is the cryo chamber. Often used in tandem with an infrared sauna, the cryo chamber exposes players to frigid temperatures. This, in turn, helps to reduce muscle inflammation and joint pain after an intense training session. With easy access to players, the Aces have ensured that they are able to handle minor injuries or sorenesses in-house and make sure that the recovery time is as little as possible.

Nutrition Bar

All the training and recovery in the world won’t be effective without proper nutrition to back it up. To make sure players are fueled right, the Las Vegas Aces’ facility includes a fully stocked nutrition bar, keeping healthy options within easy reach.

Film Room

Perhaps the most important room in the facility is the film room. Located just down the hallway from the courts and weight room, the film room is equipped with everything players and coaches need: massage chairs for each player, a whiteboard for drawing up plays and explaining concepts, and an overhead projector for reviewing film.

No wonder Aces superstar and 2022 WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson called it her “favorite place” in the entire facility. She said, “It just looks very comfortable and everyone loves a good massage chair,” in a video shared by the franchise.

Even though the facility is a space for intense work, comfort isn’t compromised. And the results speak for themselves: since opening in April 2023, the Aces have already secured two championships. With the dedication and vision Mark Davis has shown for the team, there’s no telling how far the next phase of the Aces’ evolution will go.