NBA team shows off new futuristic home that’s biggest pro sports practice facility in US

The Cleveland Cavaliers are building a state-of-the-art practice facility to sit at the heart of an ambitious, $3.5billion downtown transformation.

Located along the Cuyahoga River, the huge facility will be one of the most advanced sports performance centers in the world, and will boast the largest indoor training facility for a professional sports team in the United States.

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The one-time NBA Champion Cavaliers hope to move into their new home in 12 months’ time, with February 2027 marked on calendars.

What features will the new Cavs facility boast?

In addition to state-of-the-art basketball courts and practice spaces, the 210,000-square-foot building will also house holistic performance and experience amenities designed to support players both on and off the glass.

Amenities include dedicated nutrition spaces, an integrated recovery corridor that connects hydro pools with a recovery suite, and an on-site barbershop.

While NBA great LeBron James has been touted for a return to the Cavs, and could make use of the future facility, the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center will serve those beyond the elite of the NBA.

From August 2027, the center is expected to offer comprehensive coverage to the public, by leveraging medical innovation to deliver holistic care, injury prevention, nutrition, recovery and performance analysis.

It will be open to athletes of all sports and levels.

The Cavs’ new facility is set to be the jewel of a huge development project, led by property management company Bedrock.

Cleveland’s underutilized riverfront will be transformed into mixed-use development under a masterplan that will deliver commercial, retail and entertainment spaces, new residential buildings, public parks, a riverwalk and year-round waterfront experiences.

The bold plan has long been in place, and since breaking ground in October 2024, construction has advanced rapidly.

New images tease Cleveland’s new state-of-the-art practice facility

This week, the Cavs shared new renders of their performance center, which offer a glimpse into the future.

Cleveland Clinic | Bedrock | Populous | Pophouse

Cleveland Clinic | Bedrock | Populous | Pophouse

Cleveland Clinic | Bedrock | Populous | Pophouse

Cleveland Clinic | Bedrock | Populous | Pophouse

The inside of the center takes on the look of an upmarket spa resort, with dining areas depicted basking in natural light.

Locker rooms appear spacious, while spa-style recovery pools and subdued lighting will no doubt provide a boost for post-practice treatment.

The practice courts, meanwhile, look perfect for a Cavs team pushing to win the eastern conference for the second season in a row.

“We believe Cleveland is one of the premier destinations for professional basketball in the country and this facility elevates that distinction even further,” Koby Altman, the team’s president of basketball operations, said this week.

“Every detail of the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center was purposefully designed to fuel excellence — equipping our players with resources, innovation, and competitive edge required to pursue championships and help define the future of the game.”

Money for Cavs arena renovations tied up in court

While plans are moving forward for a new practice facility, the Cavs also need improvements made to Rocket Arena.

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As part of an agreement to build the Cleveland Browns a new NFL stadium, Ohio lawmakers have approved $400m of unclaimed public money to go into a special sports and culture fund, which can help fund other projects.

The Cavs have requested $40m in funding toward a total of $161m in renovation projects, some of which they hope will support upgrades to Rocket Arena that will accommodate a ‘future WNBA franchise.’

However, that money is currently tied up in a court battle, as a challenge has been made to the legality of using an unclaimed money pot to fund sports and cultural projects.

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