"Is there an outside pool for tanning?": Sophie Cunningham throws a playful jab at Suns owner's latest state-of-the-art practice facility 

By Jone Mallorca

Modified Jul 19, 2024 18:09 GMT

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When Suns owner Mat Ishbia unveiled the brand-new practice facility of the Phoenix Mercury, several players were left in awe. One of these Mercury players couldn't help but comment with a playful jab on Ishbia's Instagram post about the facility. That player was Sophie Cunningham.

Cunningham was the 13th pick of the 2019 draft by Phoenix and is now playing in her sixth season. For athletes who have already played a handful of years with the team that drafted them, seeing a renovated and refurbished practice facility does bode well for the organization's vision going forward.

Here's what Cunningham commented on the Suns owner's post:

"Is there an outside pool for tanning?"

Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham

The Associated Press' Doug Feinberg reported that the 58,000-square-foot facility features strength and cardio areas, hydrotherapy, a sauna, meeting rooms, a kitchen, etc. With several areas providing top-quality service and basketball-related activities, the Phoenix Mercury revealed that the facility cost $100 million.

Suns owner Mat Ishbia was present during the event alongside other Mercury players such as Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Speaking of Taurasi, two practice courts were named in celebration of her legacy and impact.

Taurasi is a three-time champion who has played over 20 seasons in the league with no signs of slowing down.

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Suns owner talked about the vision behind the new Mercury practice facility

During the unveiling of the new Phoenix Mercury facility, owner Mat Ishbia highlighted the importance of providing a top-notch facility fornplayers and staff, as per Associated Press' Doug Feinberg.

"I wanted to make the best facility out there," Ishbia said. "We think we did that. The overall infrastructure, the parking. Everything you'd think of a superior athlete would need, we tried to build that in the women's practice facility."

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia unveils new Mercury practice facility (Imagn)

It's a momentous occasion for a Phoenix Mercury franchise with a long and storied history. Diana Taurasi even highlighted how humbling it is to be in a brand-new practice facility, equipped with all the needs of the players and staff. She also felt honored by how the organization chose to celebrate her.

As of now, the Mercury are in sixth place (13-12 record) in the WNBA standings with a .520 winning percentage. The team has also won five out of their last 10 games. When it comes to their production on the court, they are fifth offensively (102.4) and ninth defensively (105.4).