Philadelphia, known for its passionate sports culture, is on the verge of expanding its athletic footprint with a major initiative. Mayor Cherelle Parker, in collaboration with the Philadelphia 76ers, is making a concerted push to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the city. This effort renews the ambition initially sparked during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The drive to secure a WNBA franchise comes on the heels of Parker's recent 80-slide presentation on the proposed 76ers' new arena, dubbed 76 Place. This significant project is anticipated to cost $1.3 billion and will be located at Market and Filbert streets, between 10th and 11th streets. The vision is to transition the Sixers from their current home at the Wells Fargo Center, whose lease expires in 2031, to this state-of-the-art facility by the end of the lease term. The agreement aims to keep the Sixers in Philadelphia until at least 2061.
Mayor Parker’s enthusiasm for the project is palpable. “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 emphasized. Her determined stance highlights the collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders to bring this vision to fruition.
Parker is confident that the new arena will boost the city's prospects of landing 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. This endorsement underscores her belief that the modernized facility will serve as a beacon, attracting WNBA officials to consider Philadelphia as a prime location for expansion.
The Philadelphia 76ers organization aligns with Parker's vision. A spokesperson for the Sixers said, “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.” This synergistic approach between the city and the team underscores a unified strategy to elevate Philadelphia’s status in the basketball realm.
The timing of this initiative coincides with a broader expansion movement within the WNBA. The league, which is currently expanding from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026, is seeing new franchises like the Golden State Valkyries set to join next season. Additionally, both Toronto and Portland are scheduled to debut their WNBA teams in the following year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed optimism that the league can grow to 16 teams by 2028, creating an opportune moment for Philadelphia to join the ranks.
The integration of a WNBA team in Philadelphia would not only diversify the city's sports offerings but also promise economic and social benefits. The presence of another professional sports team could stimulate local businesses, enhance community engagement, and offer increased opportunities for youth sports development within the region.
The Philadelphia 76ers have a storied history, having relocated from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963. This historical pedigree adds weight to their current endeavors and sets a solid foundation for future sports ventures. With the lease at the Wells Fargo Center expiring in 2031, the transition to 76 Place represents a significant chapter in the team's evolution.
As Philadelphia banks on this ambitious plan to bring a WNBA team to the city, the collaborative effort continues to gain traction. With the shared commitment of city officials and the Sixers organization, there is a growing anticipation that Philadelphia will soon be home to both the Sixers and a pioneering WNBA franchise, further cementing its status as a powerhouse in the sports world.