Philadelphia's Bid for a WNBA Team Gains Momentum with New Sixers Arena
In a significant move for the future of Philadelphia sports, Mayor Cherelle Parker has joined forces with the Philadelphia 76ers to bring a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the city. The collaboration marks a renewed effort after the initial attempt to secure a WNBA team during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic fell short.
A New Vision: 76 Place
Mayor Parker showcased her commitment to this vision by delivering an 80-slide presentation on a proposed new arena for the Sixers, dubbed 76 Place. The project, estimated at a staggering $1.3 billion, is slated for Market and Filbert streets, stretching between 10th and 11th streets. This ambitious initiative not only aims to enhance the city's sports infrastructure but also reaffirms Philadelphia's sports legacy.
"We were able to secure support from the governor, from the city, its administration and legislative body. Although they were not successful, you all know me. I don't take no easy," Parker stated, reflecting on the initial efforts to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia. "I want us to keep working extremely hard, as hard as we can, united together."
A Historical Backdrop
The Sixers' story in Philadelphia dates back to May 22, 1963, when the franchise relocated from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals. They've since become an integral part of the city's cultural and sporting fabric. Their current lease at the Wells Fargo Center, however, is set to expire in 2031. With the proposed transition to 76 Place, the Sixers plan to continue their legacy in Philadelphia until at least 2061.
The Sixers organization is wholeheartedly backing Mayor Parker's vision. "We share in Mayor Parker's desire to bring a WNBA franchise to Philadelphia and have been engaged with the league on the process. Our goal is for our new arena to serve as home to both the 76ers and a WNBA franchise," commented a Sixers spokesperson.
WNBA Expansion and Philadelphia's Prospects
The timing of this bid aligns fortuitously with the WNBA’s current expansion efforts. The league, currently expanding from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026, presents a unique opportunity for Philadelphia. The introduction of new franchises like the Golden State Valkyries next season, followed by Toronto and Portland in subsequent years, underscores the league’s growth trajectory.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed optimism about the league's expansion. "We see the WNBA growing to 16 teams by 2028," Engelbert said, signifying the league's ambitious plans for inclusion and growth across the sports landscape. Philadelphia's proactive approach, coupled with the new arena, might well position it as a frontrunner in receiving one of these coveted spots.
A Unified Ambition
Mayor Parker is enthusiastic about what the new arena could mean for Philadelphia's WNBA prospects. "I will tell you that with this new Sixers arena there, there is no one who can tell me that Philadelphia would just not have upped its position in trying, and trying to pursue a WNBA team for our great city," Parker asserted. Her unwavering determination and collaboration with various stakeholders highlight a unified effort to realize this dream.
The vision for 76 Place transcends merely being a state-of-the-art sports venue. It represents a broader ambition to bolster Philadelphia's status in professional basketball, celebrating its rich history while ushering in a new era with the potential addition of a WNBA team. By 2031, residents and fans alike can look forward to a sports landscape that promises excitement, inclusivity, and an enduring legacy for future generations.