NBPA Opens $50M PLYRS UNTD Performance Center in Playa Vista

The National Basketball Players Association opened the 42,500-square-foot PLYRS UNTD Performance Center this week in Los Angeles.

The National Basketball Players Association opened the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center in Playa Vista this week, a 42,500-square-foot facility designed as a centralized training hub for league members. Located four miles north of Los Angeles International Airport, the $50 million site features two full-sized basketball courts where 80 players have already trained this summer. Anthony Davis, Tyrese Maxey, and Trey Murphy III were among the athletes present on Monday to utilize the amenities. The union secured the building through a three-year lease with the Sterling family, with options to sign a five-year extension or purchase the property once the initial term concludes.

Player-Driven Design and Logistics

The facility occupies the former practice home of the LA Clippers, who vacated the space in 2024 to move into the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. NBPA President Fred VanVleet led the investment decision following a February brainstorming session during All-Star Weekend involving 35 players, including Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Kyrie Irving. During those meetings, athletes used sticky notes and whiteboards to outline the need for a "one-stop shop" to eliminate the logistical burden of traveling across Southern California for court time, weight rooms, and recovery services. Former players Chris Paul, Andre Iguodala, and Shaun Livingston also contributed feedback to the development plans.

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren noted that the centralized location prevents wasted time previously spent commuting between separate venues for summer runs and strength training. The gated complex is staffed by on-site security and includes a full weight room, a training room, and conference rooms. The union repurposed the former office of Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations, into a family lounge. Additionally, the previous media workroom was converted into "The Garage," an indoor-outdoor auxiliary workout space featuring turf.

Nutrition and Recovery Amenities

Health and wellness services at the center include biomarker blood testing, a meditation pod, a sauna, and a steam room. The dining area serves organic and vegan-friendly meals alongside protein smoothies, with a chef and dietician available for consultation. Players can also book massage therapy appointments on-site. Holmgren highlighted the inclusion of a barber chair as part of the comprehensive amenities offered within the single location. The NBPA refreshed the interior with "PLYRS UNTD" branding and the "Own The Game" slogan repainted onto the hardwood.

Matteo Zuretti, the NBPA’s chief player experience officer, stated that future improvements for the facility may include a hyperbaric chamber and a podcast studio. The current setup allows players to complete their entire training and recovery circuit in 90 minutes to two hours. This efficiency is intended to provide more time for athletes to spend with their families during the offseason. The NBPA also maintains a practice court at its Midtown Manhattan headquarters and an additional training hub located in Andalusia, Spain.

Union Unity and Collective Bargaining

NBPA executive director David Kelly emphasized that the facility serves as an investment intended to last 20 years. Beyond physical training, the center is designed to foster camaraderie ahead of future collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Union leaders recently used a news conference in Las Vegas to criticize the NBA’s second apron salary cap system. This financial structure influenced cost-cutting roster moves by the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Boston Celtics this offseason. Kelly stated that providing a space for players to connect separate from their specific teams is essential for maintaining a unified membership during discussions regarding the league's spending penalties.