Mayor Parker and the 76ers Aim to Bring WNBA Team to Philadelphia
In an ambitious move to expand Philadelphia's sports landscape, Mayor Cherelle Parker has aligned forces with the Philadelphia 76ers to secure a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team for the city. This marks the second major effort to establish a WNBA presence in Philadelphia, following an earlier initiative at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parker's dedication to this cause is clear, and her recent efforts included delivering an exhaustive 80-slide presentation on a proposed new arena for the Sixers, known as 76 Place. This project, estimated to cost $1.3 billion, is slated to occupy a prime location between Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets.
Reflecting on the support gathered for the earlier bid, Parker expressed her determination, stating, “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 New 76 Place Arena: More Than Just a Venue
The 76 Place arena is not only seen as a modern facility for the Sixers but also a potential home for a future WNBA team. The Sixers' current lease at the Wells Fargo Center is set to expire in 2031, and the team's management envisions transitioning to the new arena by then. The agreement for 76 Place has been crafted to retain the Sixers in Philadelphia until at least 2061, a move that highlights the long-term commitment to the city.
Parker emphasized the strategic importance of the new arena in attracting 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.”
Looking at the Bigger Picture
The WNBA, under the leadership of Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, is set on a path of expansion. The league is currently growing from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026. New franchises, such as the Golden State Valkyries, are set to join next season, followed by teams in Toronto and Portland in the succeeding year. Engelbert has expressed confidence that the league could swell to 16 teams by 2028, offering a timely opportunity for Philadelphia.
A spokesperson for the Sixers highlighted the shared vision for the city's basketball future: “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.”
Historically Rooted, Future-Focused
The Philadelphia 76ers have a rich history dating back to their relocation from Syracuse, New York, where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963. This deep-rooted legacy is now poised to embrace a new chapter with the potential addition of a WNBA team.
Parker and the Sixers' concerted efforts reflect a growing trend in professional sports to diversify and expand opportunities for women's sports. The potential arrival of a WNBA team in Philadelphia would not only offer thrilling entertainment but also serve as a beacon of growth and inclusivity in the sports community.
The path ahead remains challenging, but the commitment displayed by Mayor Parker, the Sixers, and the broader community signals a promising future. With the WNBA expanding and the construction of 76 Place on the horizon, Philadelphia is positioning itself as a major contender in attracting one of the league's next franchises.