Philadelphia is on the brink of a significant sports development. Mayor Cherelle Parker has joined hands with the Philadelphia 76ers to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the city. This effort follows a previous attempt during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the city's enduring ambition to enter the WNBA landscape.
A New Home for the Sixers
Parker recently presented an extensive 80-slide proposal detailing a new arena for the Sixers, named 76 Place. The ambitious project, estimated to cost $1.3 billion, aims to revitalize a location bounded by Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets. "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 asserted, emphasizing the strategic role of the new arena in attracting a WNBA franchise.
Historical Move and Future Plans
Historically, the Sixers have a deep-rooted connection with Philadelphia, having relocated from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, on May 22, 1963. Currently, the Sixers' lease at the Wells Fargo Center is set to expire in 2031, aligning perfectly with their plans to transition to 76 Place by the end of their lease. The proposed agreement for 76 Place ensures that the Sixers remain in Philadelphia until at least 2061, a move geared towards long-term stability.
WNBA Expansion and Philadelphia's Potential
The timing of these developments coincides with the WNBA's expansion plans. The league is growing from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026, with new franchises like the Golden State Valkyries set to debut next season, and teams from Toronto and Portland joining the year after. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence that the league can expand to 16 teams by 2028.
Mayor Parker's determined stance remains clear. "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 stated, underlining her relentless pursuit of a WNBA team for Philadelphia.
The Sixers organization shares Parker's enthusiasm. A Sixers spokesperson remarked, "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 Unified Vision
This joint vision between city officials and the Sixers franchise paints an optimistic future for Philadelphia's sports scene. The proposed 76 Place arena not only aims to provide a state-of-the-art home for the Sixers but also strengthens the city's bid for a WNBA team. With both local government and private entities working cohesively, the dream of hosting a WNBA team seems increasingly attainable.
As the WNBA continues to expand, Philadelphia's proactive steps could soon see the city secure its own WNBA team, further enriching the local sports fabric. The combination of a new arena and the city's robust support system makes Philadelphia a promising candidate for the league's next phase of growth.