Detroit, MI, October 16, 2025
Detroit announced plans to develop a state-of-the-art WNBA practice facility and a large youth development academy on the former Uniroyal industrial site along the riverfront. The $50 million project will include a 75,000-square-foot practice center and a 100,000-square-foot youth academy with indoor and outdoor fields for basketball, soccer, volleyball and flag football. Site preparation is scheduled before construction begins, with the development expected to generate dozens of permanent jobs and hundreds of construction positions. The proposal includes environmental remediation of the polluted site, community engagement, and a nonprofit-run youth programming arm to expand equitable access to sports.
Detroit Unveils Plans for State-of-the-Art WNBA Practice Facility
Detroit has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art WNBA practice facility, aiming to boost the city’s sports infrastructure. This facility will be built on the formerly polluted Uniroyal industrial site along the Detroit Riverfront. The project is estimated to cost around $50 million, with completion expected by the 2029 WNBA season. Site preparation is scheduled to begin in 2026, followed by construction in 2027, ensuring readiness for the team’s debut. The development is anticipated to create 71 permanent jobs and nearly 300 construction jobs. It will encompass a 75,000-square-foot practice center and a 100,000-square-foot youth development academy, equipped with indoor and outdoor athletic fields for various sports including basketball and soccer. While the WNBA team and facility will share ownership, youth programming will be organized under a separate nonprofit entity. This initiative is part of broader efforts to revitalize the Detroit riverfront area and encourage youth sports participation in the community.
Background on the Project
The Detroit Pistons, under the leadership of owner Tom Gores, are critical to reintroducing the WNBA to Detroit. The new WNBA team is set to debut in 2029, playing at Little Caesars Arena, home to the Pistons and Red Wings. This practice facility and youth sports complex is encompassed within a larger vision to transform the site into a community hub that benefits both the new franchise and local residents. Support from Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan solidifies the city’s commitment to this initiative, which also aims to address disparities in youth sports access within Detroit.
Environmental Considerations
The Uniroyal site covers 42 acres and has suffered from severe pollution since its industrial use. Environmental cleanup is vital to ensure the safety of both the professional facility and youth activities nearby. The developer, W-Detroit Property LLC, linked to the Pistons and Tom Gores, has requested a tax incentive valued at $40.6 million over 30 years to facilitate this cleanup. The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (DBRA) is currently reviewing this request, with further discussions set for a community advisory meeting on October 15. This redevelopment aligns with ongoing efforts to uplift Detroit’s riverfront.
Community Engagement
A public meeting has taken place to discuss the forthcoming WNBA team and its headquarters, allowing community members to share feedback about the potential facility and its impact on the area. The project aims to create a community destination that promotes youth sports and addresses inequity in facility access for Detroit’s youth.
Conclusion
This proposed WNBA practice facility and youth sports complex in Detroit signals a substantial commitment to strengthening the city’s sports infrastructure and fostering community engagement. With an ambitious project timeline set to deliver facilities by 2029, the initiative underscores a dedication to revitalizing the Detroit riverfront and ensuring equitable access to sports amenities for all residents.
FAQ
What is the proposed WNBA practice facility in Detroit?
The proposed WNBA practice facility is a state-of-the-art complex to be constructed on the former Uniroyal industrial site along the Detroit Riverfront. It includes a 75,000-square-foot practice center and a 100,000-square-foot youth development academy, featuring indoor and outdoor athletic fields for basketball, soccer, volleyball, and flag football. The project is estimated to cost approximately $50 million and is expected to be completed in time for the 2029 WNBA season. Site preparation is slated to begin in 2026, with construction getting underway in 2027, ahead of the team’s 2029 debut. The development is projected to create 71 permanent jobs and nearly 300 construction jobs. The WNBA team and practice facility will share common ownership, while youth programming will operate under a separate nonprofit entity. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to revitalize Detroit’s riverfront area and promote youth sports development in the community.
Who is leading the development of the WNBA practice facility?
The development is led by W-Detroit Property LLC, a corporate entity affiliated with the Detroit Pistons and owner Tom Gores. The new WNBA team is set to debut in 2029, with games to be played at Little Caesars Arena, the current home of the Pistons and Red Wings. The practice facility and youth sports complex are part of a larger vision to create a transformative community destination that will serve both the new franchise and the public. The project has received support from Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who has committed to partnering with the ownership group to develop the new campus in a central location for Detroit residents. The development also includes a publicly accessible sports center to support a youth development academy, promoting youth sports and addressing the lack of access and equity among youth sports facilities in Detroit. The vision is to build a transformative community destination that will service the new franchise and include public-facing youth basketball courts, volleyball courts, and multi-purpose fields for soccer, football, and lacrosse, complete with spectator seating.
What is the timeline for the construction of the facility?
Site preparation for the facility is slated to begin in 2026, with construction getting underway in 2027. The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2029 WNBA season, aligning with the debut of the new WNBA team in Detroit. The development is projected to create 71 permanent jobs and nearly 300 construction jobs. The facility will include a 75,000-square-foot practice center and a 100,000-square-foot youth development academy, featuring indoor and outdoor athletic fields for basketball, soccer, volleyball, and flag football. The WNBA team and practice facility will share common ownership, while youth programming will operate under a separate nonprofit entity. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to revitalize Detroit’s riverfront area and promote youth sports development in the community.
What is the significance of the former Uniroyal site?
The former Uniroyal site, located just west of the Belle Isle bridge, is a 42-acre property that was left heavily polluted due to its industrial past. Environmental remediation efforts are necessary to make the site safe for both the professional facility and the adjacent youth programming. The developer, W-Detroit Property LLC, has proposed a tax incentive capture valued at $40.6 million over 30 years to assist with the environmental cleanup. The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (DBRA) is currently reviewing this request, with a decision expected following a community advisory committee meeting scheduled for October 15. This redevelopment aligns with broader efforts to revitalize Detroit’s riverfront area and promote youth sports development in the community.
How is the community involved in the project?
A public meeting was held to discuss the plans for the new WNBA team and its future headquarters. The community has been invited to provide feedback on the proposed facility and its potential impact on the area. The development aims to create a transformative community destination that will serve both the new franchise and the public, promoting youth sports and addressing the lack of access and equity among youth sports facilities in Detroit. The vision is to build a transformative community destination that will service the new franchise and include public-facing youth basketball courts, volleyball courts, and multi-purpose fields for soccer, football, and lacrosse, complete with spectator seating.
What is the broader impact of the project on Detroit?
The proposed WNBA practice facility and youth sports complex in Detroit represent a significant investment in the city’s sports infrastructure and community development. With construction slated to begin in 2027 and completion expected in time for the 2029 WNBA season, the project aims to provide state-of-the-art facilities for professional athletes while also serving as a hub for youth sports and community engagement. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to revitalizing Detroit’s riverfront area and promoting equitable access to sports facilities for all residents.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Former Uniroyal industrial site, Detroit Riverfront |
| Cost | Approximately $50 million |
| Facilities | 75,000 sq ft practice center, 100,000 sq ft youth academy, various sports fields |
| Jobs Created | 71 permanent jobs, 300 construction jobs |
| Timeline | Site preparation in 2026, construction in 2027, completion by 2029 |
| Environmental Remediation | Tax incentive capture of $40.6 million proposed for cleanup |
| Community Involvement | Public meetings held for feedback |
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