Philadelphia's sports landscape is on the verge of a transformative era as Mayor Cherelle Parker joins forces with the Philadelphia 76ers in a bid to introduce a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the city.
This is not the city's first attempt to attract a WNBA team. The initial push occurred a few years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the setback, 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 declared with unwavering determination.
A New Home for Basketball
The latest proposal to elevate Philadelphia’s standing in the basketball world includes the construction of a new arena for the Sixers, dubbed 76 Place. Slated to be constructed at Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets, this $1.3 billion project was recently unveiled in an exhaustive 80-slide presentation by Mayor Parker.
The current home of the Sixers, the Wells Fargo Center, has served the team well since their lease began. However, that agreement is set to expire in 2031. The Sixers are aiming to transition to the new 76 Place arena by the end of their lease, effectively securing their place in the heart of Philadelphia until at least 2061. A Sixers spokesperson confirmed, “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.”
WNBA Expansion Plans
The WNBA is currently in a phase of expansion, growing from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026. Already confirmed to join the league next season are the Golden State Valkyries, while Toronto and Portland are scheduled to debut their WNBA teams the following year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed optimism about the league's growth trajectory, noting confidence in the possibility of expanding to 16 teams by 2028.
Philadelphia’s strategic push for a WNBA team could be significantly bolstered by the new Sixers arena. Mayor Parker emphasized the impact of this development, stating, “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.”
Historical Context
The rich history of the Sixers adds an extra layer of significance to these developments. Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, the Sixers relocated to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963, and have since built a deep connection with the city and its passionate sports fans.
With the impending expiration of their lease at the Wells Fargo Center, the move to 76 Place represents not just a shift in location but a reaffirmation of their commitment to Philadelphia. In turn, the addition of a WNBA team would complement this commitment, enriching the city's basketball heritage and offering more opportunities for fans to engage with the sport.
Looking Ahead
As the city gears up for these significant developments, the combined energy and effort of both the local government and the Sixers organization reflect a unified vision for Philadelphia’s future in professional basketball. Mayor Parker's unwavering resolve and strategic ingenuity, matched by the Sixers' enthusiastic support, pave the way for a new chapter in the city's storied sports history.
While the process of securing a WNBA team may be complex, the collaboration between the 76ers and the city's administration holds promise. The proposed 76 Place arena isn't merely an infrastructure project but a symbol of the shared aspirations to enhance Philadelphia's status in the world of professional basketball. If successful, fans of both men's and women's basketball can look forward to a future where Philadelphia is home to not one, but two professional basketball teams.