When it comes to time on the court, the Seattle Storm — four-time national champions with some of the best players in the WNBA — currently competes for practice time with college students at Seattle Pacific University.
Now, legislation signed Tuesday will allow for indoor sports and recreation buildings in Interbay, just south of Ballard, to be five times larger, increasing the cap from 10,000 square feet to 50,000 square feet. That makes way for the development of a new practice facility suitable for one of the most decorated sports teams in the region.
The investment increases gender equity in the city, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan explained during a news conference Tuesday.
“We’ve seen this city move almost heaven and earth to support our male sports teams,” she said just hours before the Seattle Kraken hockey team began its first season.
General interest in women’s sports has historically been low and meant less money. But that’s changed, Storm co-owner Ginny Gilder said.
“That we’re willing to take this financial risk is an indicator that we believe that women’s sports is being embraced by the greater community and see the value of supporting women athletes.”
The organization is working with architects to design the facility, but no construction or completion date has been set.
Storm co-owner Lisa Brummel said the new facility is critical to the future of the franchise.
“When you have a dedicated facility for world-class athletes, soon to be hall of famers, and you let them have it where they can practice from morning to night, they can talk about how they want to bring others along with them,” Brummel said. “They can further their image as a role model and they can continue to contribute to our community.”