Philadelphia has long been a city brimming with sports passion, and now it stands on the brink of another major milestone. Mayor Cherelle Parker has joined forces with the Philadelphia 76ers to champion the arrival of a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the city. This renewed effort follows previous attempts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a persistent drive towards establishing a WNBA presence in Philadelphia.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Mayor Parker, in her pursuit, delivered a comprehensive 80-slide presentation outlining a proposed new arena for the Sixers, tentatively named "76 Place." The project is projected to carry a price tag of $1.3 billion and will be situated between Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets. This ambitious development is poised not only to serve as a home for the Sixers but potentially for Philadelphia's future WNBA team as well.
“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 stated, underscoring her commitment to the cause.
A Historic Partnership
The Philadelphia 76ers have a storied history, having moved from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963. Their current lease at the Wells Fargo Center is set to expire in 2031, with plans to transition to the new 76 Place by the time their lease concludes.
The new arena, if approved, will ensure the Sixers remain in Philadelphia until at least 2061. The Sixers organization has expressed alignment with Mayor Parker's ambitions. “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,” a Sixers spokesperson remarked.
WNBA Expansion and Prospects
The WNBA is on a trajectory of expansion, growing from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026. New franchises like the Golden State Valkyries are set to join the league next season, followed by the debut of teams in Toronto and Portland the following year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has conveyed confidence in the league's potential to expand to 16 teams by 2028, further demonstrating the league’s upward growth trajectory.
“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 optimistically asserted. Her comments encapsulate a shared sentiment among city officials and sports enthusiasts—it’s Philadelphia’s time to join the WNBA ranks.
As both the city and the 76ers organization rally behind the effort to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia, the prospects look promising. The construction of 76 Place could be a keystone in securing the WNBA's presence, offering a new home for both the Sixers and a potential WNBA franchise. With steadfast determination from local government and substantial backing from the Sixers, Philadelphia's future as a dual-basketball franchise city seems within reach.
The endeavor to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia is more than a sporting initiative; it's about fostering community pride and expanding opportunities for women's sports on a grand stage. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the resolve and cooperation between public and private entities signal that Philadelphia may soon witness the dawn of a new chapter in its illustrious sports history.