As she drove up to the Wintrust Sports Complex, where the Sky’s new practice facility is under construction, Sky co-owner Nadia Rawlinson said she felt humbled and blessed. Nearly a year after breaking ground, the exterior is almost finished.
“We see pictures, but there’s something different about being here in person,” Rawlinson said at Wednesday’s beam-signing ceremony. “This is a vision becoming reality.”
Sky brass joined Village of Bedford Park leaders to celebrate progress, then toured the site. The roof (and some walls) are still to come, but the shape is unmistakable now. Inside there will be two courts, locker rooms, weight rooms, team offices and other amenities. Work on the interior has not yet begun.
The construction is part of the Village of Bedford Park’s “Phase 2” expansion of the Wintrust Sports Complex — a multipurpose facility that already hosts youth tournaments — to include new indoor turf fields. That portion will be connected to the Sky’s building, but function as a separate space.
For Bedford Park, the project means securing a long-term tenant in one of the city’s fast-growing sports teams. For the Sky, it’s a significant step toward professionalizing. No more rec center practices with one court and shared locker rooms. Instead, a private facility with 24/7 access for players.
This is quickly becoming the standard in a league that’s expanding. The Aces, Storm and Mercury set the trend, with the rest of the league following suit. Now expansion teams can’t even get in the door without committing to a facility.
The Sky’s timeline has shifted, though. Once pegged for the end of 2025, the facility is now expected to open by spring 2026 — in time for the season, but too late to showcase to free agents.
The delay stems from design changes. For example: original plans had the courts set up end-to-end. They will now run side to side.
Even now, interior plans are still in flux. Earlier this month, Sky ownership met with players for input on features they’d like to see. On Wednesday, leaders reconvened to discuss what’s feasible.
Costs have climbed as the project has evolved, to an expected $40–43 million. The Village of Bedford Park will own the building and will cover about $32 million. The Sky will pay the rest — ensuring the building reflects their vision down to the details.