MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota athletic director Norwood Teague says a basketball practice facility is a top priority among the department’s goals for Gophers sports.

Teague called the practice facility “not a want” but “a need” in a question-and-answer session Thursday with reporters. He said a master building plan will be unveiled in mid-April, estimating a cost between $80 and $125 million. Private fundraising will be the primary source of money, but Teague indicated an interest in exploring the possibility of state bonding to help pay for the project.

Currently, the men’s and women’s basketball teams play in 85-year-old Williams Arena. They compete for time on the raised floor there and in the gym at the adjacent Sports Pavilion with the wrestling, volleyball, gymnastics and dance teams.

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