## NBPA Unveils State-of-the-Art PLYRS UNTD Performance Center: A New Era for NBA Player Training on the West Coast
sportsamo.com reports that the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has officially inaugurated its groundbreaking PLYRS UNTD Performance Center in Playa Vista, Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in professional athlete development and support. This formidable $50 million, 42,500-square-foot facility, strategically situated just 15 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, represents a pivotal investment in the well-being and performance of NBA players, establishing a premier 24/7 training hub on the West Coast.
The inception of the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center was born from a clear recognition of a critical need within the league. While the NBPA’s New York office has long offered a court for players, the sheer volume of NBA athletes gravitating towards the Los Angeles area during the offseason demanded a more comprehensive solution. NBPA research indicated that upwards of 200 NBA players consistently spend time in the L.A. market for offseason training, rehabilitation, and personal development. This concentration of talent, combined with the departure of the Los Angeles Clippers to their new Inglewood arena, presented a unique opportunity for the NBPA to transform a former Clippers building into an unparalleled player-centric facility.
David Kelly, NBPA Executive Director and PLYRS UNTD CEO, revealed that the concept for such a facility had been contemplated for “quite some time.” The Clippers’ relocation provided the perfect vacant canvas. Following a soft launch earlier this summer, the initial weeks post-Summer League saw an overwhelming response, with over 80 players already utilizing the cutting-edge resources. “The response has been phenomenal,” Kelly stated, underscoring the success of their “by and for the guys” philosophy. This ethos, central to the PLYRS UNTD brand, aims to create spaces that are directly shaped by player feedback and preferences, ensuring the facility truly meets their evolving needs.
The design and amenities of the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center were meticulously crafted with extensive input from active NBA players. Trey Murphy, the New Orleans Pelicans forward and newly appointed Vice President of the NBPA Executive Committee, played a crucial role in steering this project. Murphy, a frequent offseason resident of Los Angeles who trains with renowned skills coach Drew Hanlen, articulated the players’ desire for a state-of-the-art facility that transcended the limitations of existing options. He recounted past experiences, “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.” The new center, by contrast, boasts regulation-sized courts, a premium weight room, a sauna, turf areas, and comprehensive wellness resources, effectively eliminating the need for players to seek out disparate training locations.
The extensive renovations made to the former Clippers building were a testament to the player-driven design. A whiteboard prominently displayed within the new facility, still adorned with sticky notes bearing player requests – many of which have already been fulfilled – symbolizes this collaborative spirit. Murphy, for instance, specifically requested an Assault Bike, a high-intensity cardio staple. Yet, his primary focus, reflecting a common player sentiment, revolved around nutrition. “I requested a lot of food things,” he admitted, highlighting the often-underestimated importance of dietary support for elite athletes.
Responding to these popular demands, the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center places a heavy emphasis on healthy, performance-driven nutrition. Beyond a dedicated smoothie bar offering custom blends of nutrient-rich ingredients, the facility provides on-site breakfast and lunch options during peak offseason training periods, curated by Pivot Culinary. This commitment to holistic player care extends to a wide array of wellness resources, including readily available massage therapists, acupuncturists, and physiotherapists. The weight room itself is a marvel of modern sports science, equipped with advanced strength and conditioning machinery, free weights, and specialized recovery tools. Even more unique player requests, such as a turf hill for specific sprint training and a dedicated boxing area for cross-training and cardiovascular conditioning, were integrated into the design, showcasing the NBPA’s dedication to comprehensive athletic development.
Matteo Zuretti, the NBPA’s Chief Player Experiences Officer, aptly describes the facility as a “performance box.” This concept emphasizes providing players with an expansive toolkit and resources while maintaining the flexibility for them to integrate their existing support networks. “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. This approach allows players to leverage the facility’s top-tier amenities alongside their personal trainers, physical therapists, or other specialists, creating a truly customized training environment. Furthermore, the center hosts biweekly organized runs facilitated by PA staff, fostering a structured yet flexible training atmosphere.
One of the most transformative aspects of the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center is its 24/7 accessibility. This round-the-clock availability caters to the demanding and often unconventional schedules of professional athletes. While Trey Murphy personally values his sleep and typically finishes workouts by 10 p.m., he acknowledged that other players frequently utilize the facility for 2 a.m. sessions. This unprecedented flexibility ensures that players can optimize their training around their individual biological clocks, recovery needs, and personal commitments, a luxury rarely afforded in traditional training environments.
Beyond the tangible amenities, the facility cultivates an invaluable intangible asset: a culture of collective excellence. The presence of numerous NBA players training concurrently creates a dynamic and motivating atmosphere, embodying the adage “iron sharpens iron.” Murphy vividly articulated this competitive yet healthy 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.” He recounted experiencing one of his best workouts and shooting days recently at the center, attributing it directly to the unspoken challenge and motivation derived from training alongside peers. This environment fosters informal mentorship, shared knowledge, and a heightened sense of accountability, pushing each athlete to elevate their game.
Historically, player training has evolved from individual, often isolated efforts to sophisticated, multi-disciplinary programs. The PLYRS UNTD Performance Center represents the pinnacle of this evolution, positioning the NBPA as a leader in player welfare and development. By providing a centralized, player-designed, and resource-rich environment, the NBPA not only enhances the physical and mental preparedness of its members but also strengthens the bond within the player community. This facility sets a new benchmark for what professional athlete support should entail, reflecting a profound understanding of the demands placed upon NBA players and a commitment to empowering them both on and off the court.
The strategic importance of this West Coast hub cannot be overstated. With Los Angeles serving as a major offseason destination and a global sports capital, the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center is poised to become an indispensable asset for NBA players for years to come. It’s more than just a gym; it’s a testament to player empowerment, a hub for innovation, and a powerful symbol of the NBPA’s dedication to its members’ continued success and well-being in an increasingly competitive league.
