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Mon, December 16, 2024

The NBA's latest arms race? Building wildly expensive practice facilities


Published on 2024-12-16 04:05:18 - The Straits Times
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  • Since 2014, with basketball operations departments and team payrolls expanding, 20 of the NBA's 30 franchises have opened new practice facilities. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The NBA is witnessing an arms race in the construction of state-of-the-art practice facilities, with teams investing heavily to attract and retain top talent. These facilities are not just about basketball; they include amenities like hydrotherapy pools, sensory deprivation tanks, and even virtual reality setups for player development. The trend was highlighted by the Sacramento Kings' new $55 million facility, which features a golf simulator, a putting green, and a bowling alley, among other luxuries. This investment reflects a broader strategy to enhance player performance, recovery, and overall well-being, aiming to give teams a competitive edge. The facilities also serve as a statement of a franchise's commitment to its players, potentially influencing free agents' decisions. However, this escalation in spending raises questions about the sustainability and the widening gap between big and small market teams.

Read the Full The Straits Times Article at:
[ https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/basketball/the-nbas-latest-arms-race-building-wildly-expensive-practice-facilities ]
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