Construction to start on new performance centre for NBA’s Charlotte Hornets in 2025

Construction firms Gilbane Building Company and Charlotte-based R.J. Leeper Construction will build the facility, based on plans from entertainment venue design firm Populous. Strategic management consulting firm CAA Icon is also part of the project team.

The new building will be constructed next to the existing Spectrum Centre and once complete, it will feature over 160,000 sq ft of training, administrative and retail space.

Reports put the expected cost of the performance centre at US$70-100 million, with the team funding the cost of the project over and above the $30 million that the City of Charlotte has put towards it. The deal is part of a large agreement that keeps the team in Charlotte through until at least 2045.

Hornets Sports & Entertainment co-chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin said, “Following the first phase of our Re!magine Spectrum Center project, the new performance centre is the next step as we work toward our vision of building the premier franchise in the NBA and operating world-class facilities.

“This performance centre will provide our Hornets players with NBA best-in-class facilities to improve all aspects of their performance, training and health. We remain dedicated to investing in this community, and the City of Charlotte, and the development of this site is a key aspect in that.”

The Charlotte Hornets Performance Center is expected to be open for the 2026-27 NBA season.