The Phoenix Mercury is pleased to announce the upcoming unveiling of its new practice facility, with a special dedication to the team’s all-time leading scorer, Diana Taurasi. The grand opening is set to coincide with the WNBA All-Star weekend, serving as a fitting celebration for one of the original franchises in the league.
The new practice facility, which is owned by Mat Ishbia, will be an impressive 58,000 square-foot, $100 million complex located just three blocks from Footprint Center. It will boast state-of-the-art amenities, including two courts, offices, meeting rooms, hydrotherapy, a sauna, strength and cardio areas, a lounge, a dining room, and a kitchen.
A noteworthy feature of the new facility is the dedication of its two courts to Diana Taurasi, who has been a cornerstone of the Mercury franchise for two decades. The courts will be named the Diana Taurasi Court and will showcase a Taurasi-inspired logo, adding a personal touch to the state-of-the-art complex.
Taurasi, a former No. 1 draft pick out of UConn, has played a pivotal role in leading the Mercury to three WNBA titles. Her remarkable career in the league, all with the Phoenix Mercury, has solidified her status as one of the greatest players in WNBA history. Additionally, Taurasi’s involvement with the U.S. Olympic team, where she has secured five gold medals, further underscores her influence on the sport.
In a recent statement, Ishbia expressed his enthusiasm for the new facility, emphasizing the team’s commitment to investing in the Mercury and the WNBA as a whole. He views it as an opportunity to showcase the team’s dedication to the sport and the community.
The grand opening of the practice facility will align with the highly anticipated WNBA All-Star Game, where the U.S. Olympic 5-on-5 team will compete against Team WNBA at Footprint Center. The event is anticipated to attract significant attention as it brings together some of the brightest stars in women’s basketball.
The timing of the dedication to Taurasi is particularly fitting, as it coincides with the hosting of the WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix. Ishbia believes that honoring Taurasi in this manner is a testament to her unparalleled contributions to the Mercury and the sport as a whole. He expressed his admiration for Taurasi as both a player and a person, emphasizing the significance of immortalizing her legacy within the team’s new facility.
Overall, the dedication of the new practice facility to Diana Taurasi signifies a momentous occasion for the Phoenix Mercury, underlining the team’s enduring commitment to excellence and honoring its legendary players. As the WNBA continues to gain momentum, this dedication serves as a reminder of the profound impact that players like Taurasi have had on the league, inspiring future generations of athletes.