ADA Blois inaugurates its performance center: a model for French basketball

Blois continues its transformation. Wednesday, June 18, 2025 will remain a pivotal date in the club’s history, with the official inauguration of its performance center. A 6 million euro project that brings together the professional structure, youth academy players and numerous sports, medical and economic facilities on one site.

A unique facility in France

Located just 300 meters from the Jeu de Paume arena, this new 6,000 m² center now concentrates all club activities. A main court meeting National 1 standards, two 3×3 courts, a weight room, modern locker rooms, treatment and video analysis rooms… everything is there.

Youth academy director David Pipereau welcomes this major advancement: « We’re gaining in time, efficiency and flexibility. » Now, young Prospects and U18 players can live, train, study and eat at the same site. A real logistical comfort and asset for their development.

A project driven by determination and partnerships

Present at the ceremony wearing a hard hat, President Paul Seignolle recalled the many steps taken before reaching this « starting point of a new era ». This project, which transformed a former pharmaceutical plant, received support from FEDER, the State, Region, Agglopolys and the City of Blois, for total funding of around 6 million euros.

The site’s naming rights are now linked to VSF Sports, a club partner since 2018. Group director Franck Martin emphasized: « It’s not an outrageous amount. We’re also thinking about the future and this contributes to the region’s influence. »

A strategic asset in a competitive Elite 2

This center also aims to strengthen the club’s economic viability. By reducing days spent at Jeu de Paume – « from 220 to 70, » according to Paul Seignolle – saving around 150,000 euros annually, limiting office rental costs and generating new revenue (rent, seminars, events), notably through the on-site restaurant, ADA plans to create new income streams.

This venue is also a recruitment tool. « Before, young prospects hoped for playing time. Now, they and their parents know they’ll find conditions similar to what exists in the United States, » says David Pipereau.

The center has even helped convince some professional players to extend their stay in Blois. Already, clubs like Chalon-sur-Saône, Bourg-en-Bresse and soon Strasbourg have visited to draw inspiration.