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. The ambition to establish a WNBA franchise in Philadelphia is part of a broader push that also includes a new state-of-the-art arena for the Sixers.
Philadelphia’s pursuit of a WNBA team first gained traction a few years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite early setbacks, Parker remains undeterred and is energized by a shared vision for the city’s sports future. “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,” stated Parker.
New Arena, New Opportunities
The proposal to build a new arena for the Sixers is a pivotal component of this sporting renaissance. Dubbed 76 Place, the $1.3 billion project aims to provide a new home for the team at Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets. Mayor Parker recently presented an extensive 80-slide deck detailing the plans for 76 Place, demonstrating the city's commitment to enhancing its sports infrastructure.
The Sixers, who relocated from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963, are poised to transition to their new arena once their lease at the Wells Fargo Center expires in 2031. This move is projected to keep the Sixers in Philadelphia until at least 2061.
A Shared Vision
The Sixers are just as enthusiastic about the prospect of a WNBA team in Philadelphia as Parker. “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,” commented a Sixers spokesperson. The integration of a WNBA team within the new arena is seen as a natural and strategic advancement for the organization.
WNBA Expansion
The timing could not be more opportune as the WNBA is currently expanding from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026. New franchises such as the Golden State Valkyries are set to join the league next season, followed by teams in Toronto and Portland. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence that the league can grow to 16 teams by 2028.
Looking Ahead
Mayor Parker believes that the construction of 76 Place will amplify Philadelphia’s appeal as a potential host for a new 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,” Parker enthused. The sentiment is echoed by local sports enthusiasts who see a convergence of opportunity, infrastructure, and ambition paving the way for Philadelphia's ascent in the WNBA realm.
As the plans for 76 Place progress, so do the aspirations for integrating a WNBA team into Philadelphia’s rich sports tapestry. The collaborative effort between the city and the Sixers is a testament to a shared vision that promises to bolster the city's sports culture for decades. While the final nod from the WNBA is still impending, the groundwork laid by Mayor Parker and the Sixers paints an optimistic picture of what could be a new era in Philadelphia sports.