NBPA opens new state-of-the-art facility in Los Angeles: ‘We literally do not have to go anywhere else’

The newly established PLYRS UNTD Performance Center, a sprawling 42,500 square-foot complex situated in Playa Vista, represents a $50 million investment by the NBPA. This strategic location, approximately 15 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, positions the facility as an accessible and convenient destination for a significant portion of the league’s players. The project was conceived following extensive research indicating that nearly 200 NBA players consistently spend their off-seasons within the greater Los Angeles area, highlighting a critical demand for a dedicated, high-caliber training resource on the West Coast.

For years, NBA players in Los Angeles during the off-season often relied on a patchwork of private gyms, university facilities, or independent training centers. While many provided adequate resources, none offered the integrated, comprehensive, and player-centric environment now available at the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center. The NBPA’s existing office in New York City features a training court, but the new Los Angeles facility dwarfs it in scale and scope, offering a vastly expanded array of resources tailored to the specific needs of elite athletes. The opportunity for this ambitious project arose when the Los Angeles Clippers relocated their operations to the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, vacating their former practice facility, which the NBPA subsequently transformed.

The development of the facility was characterized by an unprecedented level of player involvement, ensuring that its design and amenities directly addressed the expressed needs and preferences of those it serves. NBPA Executive Director and PLYRS UNTD CEO David Kelly emphasized the collaborative approach. "The response has been phenomenal," Kelly stated. "I think it ties into what we’re trying to do, what our larger brand in the larger PLYRS UNTD is — and that is, create spaces that are by and for the guys. Get feedback from the guys on what they would want to see inside of that space." This player-centric philosophy was vividly illustrated by a whiteboard within the new center, adorned with sticky notes detailing specific requests and suggestions from players, many of which have already been implemented.

Among the key figures in the project’s decision-making process was New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III, who was appointed Vice President of the NBPA Executive Committee in February. Murphy, a rapidly ascending talent known for his versatile two-way play, by 2026 has solidified his position as a core player for the Pelicans, averaging career highs in points and efficiency in the preceding 2025-26 season. His deep understanding of player needs, stemming from his own rigorous training regimen and his experience with disparate off-season arrangements, proved invaluable.

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"I really think it was because we had the facility in New York and it did really well, and there’s a lot of guys that are in L.A. all the time," Murphy explained. He recounted his prior experiences, contrasting them with the new facility: "I got open runs at UCLA on a small court. Not to talk bad about UCLA at all… it’s just the reality of it, it’s not a regulation court. But now here we have a regulation court, we have a weight room, we have a sauna, we have turf. And we literally do not have to go anywhere else to work out." This sentiment underscores the facility’s primary objective: to consolidate all essential training and recovery resources under one roof, eliminating the logistical challenges and compromises players previously faced.

The facility boasts a comprehensive suite of amenities designed to support every aspect of an NBA player’s physical and mental preparation. It features two full-sized, regulation basketball courts equipped with advanced shooting technology and video analysis systems, allowing players to refine their skills and review their performance with precision. The premium weight room is outfitted with state-of-the-art strength and conditioning equipment, catering to diverse training methodologies from powerlifting to functional movement and rehabilitation. Adjacent to the weight room, a dedicated turf area offers space for agility drills, plyometrics, and speed work, mimicking game-day conditions.

Wellness and recovery are central to the center’s design. Players have access to an on-site sauna, cold plunge pools, and dedicated spaces for massage therapy and acupuncture, services crucial for mitigating fatigue, accelerating recovery, and preventing injuries in the demanding professional basketball landscape. The importance of nutrition for elite athletes is addressed through on-site culinary options provided by Pivot Culinary. During peak off-season training windows, players receive fresh, healthy breakfast and lunch, complemented by a dedicated smoothie bar. Murphy, reflecting on his personal requests, quipped, "I requested a lot of food things," a sentiment widely echoed by his peers who prioritized healthy, convenient nutritional support.

Beyond the standard offerings, player feedback led to the inclusion of several unique features. Requests for specific equipment such as assault bikes were met, along with more unconventional additions like a turf hill for enhanced resistance training and dedicated boxing facilities, offering alternative forms of cardiovascular conditioning and hand-eye coordination development. These bespoke elements underscore the NBPA’s commitment to creating a truly personalized training environment.

The operational model of the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center emphasizes flexibility and autonomy. The 24/7 access allows players to adhere to their individual training schedules, accommodating varying sleep patterns, family commitments, and personal preferences. While Murphy indicated his latest workout would likely be around 10 p.m. to prioritize sleep, he acknowledged that some players leverage the facility for intensive 2 a.m. sessions. The center also facilitates biweekly runs organized by PA staff and, crucially, permits players to bring their personal trainers, physiotherapists, or medical professionals. NBPA’s Chief Player Experiences Officer Matteo Zuretti described this approach as providing a "performance box." "What we really want to provide is this box, and then the guys bring whatever they need, and then we fill that gap," Zuretti explained. "So, for example, we are going to have an athletic trainer, physiotherapist. The guys might have their own people, or they are actually seeking for that type of support." This model ensures that players can maintain continuity with their trusted support staff while also accessing the comprehensive resources of the NBPA facility.

A significant, albeit intangible, benefit highlighted by players is the unique atmosphere fostered by having numerous NBA peers training in a single location. This environment cultivates a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition, encapsulated by the adage "iron sharpens iron." Murphy elaborated on this dynamic: "You walk in the gym and your mind starts going, ‘All right, I see a lot of NBA players.’ And you have to lock in and make sure they know that I’ve been working too. So it’s healthy competition, I would say." This collective drive can elevate individual performance, as players push each other to higher levels, observe different training techniques, and draw motivation from their peers’ dedication.

The opening of the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center represents a pivotal moment for the NBPA and its members. It solidifies the union’s commitment to providing unparalleled support for player welfare, development, and longevity. By establishing a world-class, player-designed, and player-focused hub on the West Coast, the NBPA has not only addressed a long-standing need but also set a new benchmark for off-season preparation in professional sports. The initial response, with over 80 players utilizing the facility within the first two weeks of its soft launch following Summer League, underscores its immediate impact and foreshadows its role as a cornerstone of NBA player development for years to come.

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