Philadelphia's Quest for a WNBA Team Intensifies with New Arena Plans
In a move that could significantly reshape the sports landscape in Philadelphia, 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 comes amid proposals for a new, state-of-the-art arena for the Sixers, a project poised to energize the city's bid for a WNBA franchise.
Efforts to attract a WNBA team to Philadelphia are not new. The initial push occurred a few years ago during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite substantial support from local government and community leaders, the bid ultimately fell short. However, Mayor Parker remains undeterred. "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. I want us to keep working extremely hard, as hard as we can, united together,” she emphasized.
76 Place: The Future Home for Philly Sports
Adding momentum to the current efforts, Parker recently unveiled an 80-slide presentation detailing the proposed new arena for the Sixers, aptly named 76 Place. Estimated to cost $1.3 billion, the arena is projected to be located at Market and Filbert streets, between 10th and 11th streets. This ambitious project signals a significant investment in the city's long-term sports infrastructure.
The Sixers, who relocated from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, have called Philadelphia home since May 22, 1963. Their current lease at the Wells Fargo Center is set to expire in 2031, a timeline that aligns with the planned transition to 76 Place. The newly proposed arena aims to solidify the Sixers' presence in Philadelphia for at least three more decades, with an agreement intending to keep the team in the city until 2061.
Parker is optimistic that 76 Place could be a game-changer in securing a WNBA team. “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,” she stated.
WNBA Expansion: A Perfect Opportunity
As the WNBA looks to expand from its current 12 teams to at least 15 by 2026, Philadelphia's timing couldn't be better. New franchises such as the Golden State Valkyries are set to join the league next season, and further expansions will see teams in Toronto and Portland debut the following year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence that the league can grow to 16 teams by 2028.
The 76ers are fully backing Parker's vision, eager to see a WNBA team join them in Philadelphia. A Sixers spokesperson shared, “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.”
The Road Ahead
While the road to securing a WNBA team for Philadelphia has had its share of hurdles, the revitalized efforts led by Mayor Parker and supported by the 76ers are promising. The construction of 76 Place represents not just an investment in infrastructure but in the city's cultural and sporting future. With the WNBA actively seeking to expand and Philadelphia making compelling strides, the city may soon celebrate the arrival of a new team, adding to its rich tapestry of sports heritage.