Full Breakdown
NBPA Launches Player-Only Performance Center in Los Angeles
8/5/2026, 6:18:57 PM
Core Event
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) opened the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center in Playa Vista, Los Angeles. The $50 million, 42,500-square-foot facility—formerly the Los Angeles Clippers’ practice site—began operations under a three-year lease signed by NBPA executive director David Kelly. The union may extend the lease for five years or purchase the building after the initial term.
Background & Context
During NBA All-Star Weekend in February, a brainstorming session with 35 players, including Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kyrie Irving, highlighted the logistical challenges of training across multiple Los Angeles venues. Players cited “crisscross[ing] the city” for courts, weight rooms and recovery spaces as inefficient. The NBPA, which already runs a Midtown Manhattan practice court and an offseason hub in Andalusia, Spain, pursued a single, player-first hub to streamline offseason preparation and foster camaraderie ahead of upcoming collective-bargaining negotiations.
Data & Statistics
- Investment: $50 million.
- Size: 42,500 sq ft.
- Facilities: two full-sized courts, a weight room, training room, conference rooms, dining area, organic-vegan meals, protein smoothies, biomarker testing, meditation pod, sauna, steam room, massage therapy, barber chair, and “The Garage” turf space.
- Usage: 80 players have visited the center this summer, with notable attendees such as Anthony Davis, Tyrese Maxey and Trey Murphy III.
Official Statements & Responses
David Kelly emphasized that the center reflects “the will of the guys” and is intended to last 20 years, providing a unified space for players to train, recover and connect. He linked the facility to the NBPA’s strategy for the upcoming “second apron” salary-cap negotiations, noting that a cohesive membership is essential. Chet Holmgren praised the all-in-one layout, while chief player-experience officer Matteo Zuretti outlined future upgrades, including a hyperbaric chamber and podcast studio.
