In an exciting collaboration, Mayor Cherelle Parker has joined forces with the Philadelphia 76ers to bring a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the City of Brotherly Love. This ambitious endeavor, first initiated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now gaining momentum thanks to the efforts of local leaders and sports organizations.
New Arena on the Horizon
Parker recently unveiled an extensive 80-slide presentation detailing plans for a new arena for the Sixers, named 76 Place, estimated to cost $1.3 billion. The proposed arena is strategically located at Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets, promising to be a central hub for sports enthusiasts. "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.
The Sixers' current lease at the Wells Fargo Center is set to expire in 2031, aligning perfectly with the intended transition to the new 76 Place arena. The agreement tied to the construction of this state-of-the-art facility aims to secure the Sixers' presence in Philadelphia until at least 2061.
A Shared Vision for Expansion
The WNBA is actively expanding its league from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026, with new franchises like the Golden State Valkyries set to join next season. Following this, Toronto and Portland will debut their WNBA teams, further bolstering the league's footprint. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has publicly stated that she is confident the league can grow to 16 teams by 2028.
As Philadelphia positions itself to become the home of one of these new franchises, the support from city administration and the legislative body has been crucial. "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," Parker asserted, reflecting her relentless dedication to this cause.
A United Front
The Mayor's determination resonates deeply with the Sixers organization. "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," confirmed a Sixers spokesperson.
This unified drive to introduce a WNBA team to Philadelphia brings a renewed sense of optimism and excitement to the city’s sports scene. The collaborative efforts between the Mayor’s office and the Sixers organization signify a powerful commitment to enhancing Philadelphia's presence on the national sports stage.
As Philadelphia eagerly anticipates the potential arrival of a WNBA team, the ongoing development of the 76 Place arena represents more than just a new home for the Sixers. It symbolizes a broader vision for the city, where basketball enthusiasts can rally behind both NBA and WNBA teams, fostering a rich, inclusive sports culture for future generations.