Philadelphia's efforts to secure a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team have gained significant momentum, thanks to a partnership between Mayor Cherelle Parker and the Philadelphia 76ers. Parker, who has shown a tenacious commitment to this cause, recently gave an 80-slide presentation outlining plans for a proposed new arena for the Sixers, dubbed 76 Place. Estimated to cost $1.3 billion, this ambitious project is seen as a critical step toward finally bringing a WNBA franchise to the city.
"We were able to secure support from the governor, from the city, its administration and legislative body," Parker said, reflecting on earlier efforts to attract a WNBA team during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. "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."
The 76 Place arena is proposed to be located between Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets. This new venue aims to keep the Sixers at home in Philadelphia until at least 2061, with a planned transition to the new arena by the end of their lease at the Wells Fargo Center in 2031.
A Unified Vision
The Philadelphia 76ers organization shares Mayor Parker's determination. "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," said a Sixers spokesperson. This mutual commitment underscores the potential impact of 76 Place in boosting Philadelphia's chances of earning 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," Parker emphasized.
Expanding Horizons
The WNBA is currently in a phase of expansion, growing from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026, with new franchises like the Golden State Valkyries set to join next season. Following that, Toronto and Portland will debut their WNBA teams. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence that the league can grow to 16 teams by 2028, further fueling hope for Philadelphia's bid.
A Rich Legacy
The Philadelphia 76ers have a rich history, having relocated from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963. This deep-rooted connection to the city underscores the significance of the new arena project. With the lease at the Wells Fargo Center expiring in 2031, the goal is clear: to transition the Sixers to 76 Place and ensure the franchise’s long-term future in Philadelphia.
The proposed 76 Place arena represents not just a venue but a commitment to the future of basketball in Philadelphia. Mayor Parker's collaboration with the Sixers and the concerted effort to engage the city's leadership demonstrate a unified vision. In the coming years, the city stands poised to welcome a WNBA team, carving out an exciting new chapter in its storied sports history.