Council introduces amendment to Beach City media campus DA to allow sports headquarters, including LA Sparks facility

The El Segundo City Council introduced an ordinance on Nov. 13 to amend the development agreement governing the Beach City's media campus to permit a sports headquarters and training facility, a change staff said aligns with the site’s mixed-use zoning and nearby Rosecrans Corridor uses.

Eduardo from Community Development told the council the Planning Commission reviewed the request and adopted a resolution recommending approval. Staff recommended amending the DA to provide greater flexibility for future development; with new ownership, the applicant has asked to broaden allowable uses to include a professional sports headquarters and training campus.

Why it matters: The proposed change would clear the way for a major private investment and a training headquarters that proponents say will strengthen the city’s standing as a professional-sports hub. Reagan Peeblee, general manager of the LA Sparks, and Tim Cott of Transwestern described the project as a ‘‘historic’’ investment in women’s sports and said they anticipate an April 2027 season opening tied to the facility and team operations.

Council action and next steps: Council introduced the ordinance for the DA amendment; the city attorney said the item will return for potential second reading and adoption at the next regular meeting. No formal adoption occurred tonight; public hearing for the introduction closed and staff will bring final ordinance language and environmental/implementation details for further consideration.

Quotes: "It’s not just about building a house for the LA Sparks. It’s about building a home," Reagan Peeblee told the council, emphasizing community and sport development benefits.

Provenance: Staff presentation and Planning Commission recommendation were recorded during the public hearing on the DA amendment.