Philadelphia Steps Up Efforts to Secure a WNBA Franchise
Philadelphia’s bid to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the city is gaining momentum with Mayor Cherelle Parker at the helm, teaming up with the Philadelphia 76ers. This initiative represents the second major attempt to secure a WNBA franchise for the city, following an earlier effort during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Parker has been vocal about her ambitions, highlighting the city's commitment with a recent delivery of an 80-slide presentation outlining a proposed new arena for the Sixers, dubbed 76 Place. This projected $1.3 billion arena is planned to be situated at Market and Filbert streets, spanning between 10th and 11th streets. The arena not only bolsters the Sixers' future in Philadelphia but is seen as a critical component in attracting a WNBA team.
Reflecting on the past efforts, Mayor Parker acknowledged, “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.”
The foundation of this new initiative rests heavily on the new arena project that aims to transition the Sixers from their current home at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers’ lease at the Wells Fargo Center is set to expire in 2031, with plans to move into 76 Place by the end of that lease.
The new arena is not just about providing a state-of-the-art facility for the NBA team; it’s a strategic move to position Philadelphia as a frontrunner for a WNBA franchise. "I will tell you that with this new Sixers arena there," Parker stated. "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.”
In aligning with the mayor's vision, the Sixers organization has also expressed their support. “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 said.
The timing seems opportune, as the WNBA is in an expansion phase, planning to grow from 12 teams to at least 15 by 2026. Next season will see new franchises like the Golden State Valkyries joining the league, with Toronto and Portland set to debut their teams the following year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has conveyed confidence that the league can expand to 16 teams by 2028, which augments Philadelphia’s prospects.
The Sixers themselves are no strangers to relocation and transformation. Originally founded as the Syracuse Nationals, they moved to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963. The new arena agreement aims to keep the Sixers in Philadelphia until at least 2061, ensuring a long-term commitment to the city's sports landscape.
As Philadelphia continues to push forward with its WNBA ambitions, the synergy between the city’s leadership and the Sixers organization stands as a robust pillar of support for this project. With the proposed 76 Place serving as a beacon of new possibilities, Philadelphia looks poised to potentially welcome a WNBA team, enriching the city’s storied basketball heritage even further.