The Chicago Sky’s long-awaited $60 million practice facility in Bedford Park, Illinois, continues to face significant delays, with no confirmed opening date as of early July 2026. Originally scheduled for completion in December 2025, the facility’s launch has been postponed multiple times, now stretching into the current WNBA season. This uncertainty has complicated plans for the team, especially as the facility was intended to host community events during the upcoming WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago from July 24–25. While Wintrust Arena and the United Center remain the primary sites for All-Star activities, it remains unclear whether the Bedford Park complex will be ready to contribute as initially hoped.

In the meantime, the Sky have had to adapt by moving their practice operations across several venues. After ending a long tenure at a recreational center in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, the team partnered with the University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC) for training from mid-April to late May, paying about $160,000 for 32 days of use. They continued with some practices at UIC early in June before shifting the majority of sessions to Wintrust Arena, their home game venue. Additionally, the team utilized Loyola University Chicago briefly in mid-June, though Loyola indicated no plans for continued hosting. The Sky confirmed that while Wintrust Arena serves as the main practice site for now, UIC and Loyola facilities remain potential options going forward.

Players and coaches have expressed mixed responses to the shifting practice locations. Star guard Skylar Diggins publicly acknowledged the difficulties caused by the lack of a dedicated practice facility, citing challenges in maintaining high-level performance amid multiple venue changes and the unexpected move to a bench role. Head coach Tyler Marsh, meanwhile, downplayed any impact on team performance despite the venue instability. Rookie Sydney Taylor recognized the adjustment challenges but highlighted the team’s determination and positive energy. These struggles coincide with a tough season start for the Sky, intensifying the pressure around facility issues.

The ongoing delays have broader implications for WNBA facility standards, as the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) established new practice facility requirements with deadlines extending through 2028. These mandates include exclusive locker rooms, weight rooms, and cardio areas, aiming to improve player conditions league-wide. The Sky’s Bedford Park facility was expected to be a flagship project aligning with these standards, but continual postponements fuel criticism from the WNBPA and cast doubt on meeting future league compliance timelines. With the All-Star Weekend rapidly approaching, the Sky remain in a holding pattern as they await clarity on their facility’s opening and its role during upcoming events.