Mayor Cherelle Parker and the Philadelphia 76ers are making a concerted effort to bring a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the City of Brotherly Love. The first initiative to introduce a WNBA team in Philadelphia began a few years ago during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it faced several obstacles. Mayor Parker, however, remains undeterred and is pushing forward with renewed vigor.
A Visionary Plan for the Future
Recently, Parker delivered an 80-slide presentation outlining a proposed new arena for the Sixers, dubbed 76 Place. This massive project is estimated to cost $1.3 billion and is slated to be located at Market and Filbert streets, between 10th and 11th streets. The Sixers' current lease at the Wells Fargo Center is due to expire in 2031, and the team aims to transition to 76 Place by the end of their lease. This new arena agreement is designed to keep the Sixers in Philadelphia until at least 2061.
Parker is optimistic that a new arena will significantly bolster Philadelphia’s chances of securing 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," Parker stated confidently.
Support from Key Stakeholders
Efforts to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia are not limited to city officials; the Philadelphia 76ers organization is also on board. "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 remarked.
The WNBA is currently poised for expansion, moving from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026. New franchises, such as the Golden State Valkyries, are set to join next season, with Toronto and Portland debuting their WNBA teams the following year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence that the league can grow to 16 teams by 2028. Philadelphia’s bid, bolstered by the supportive synergy between the city's administration and the 76ers, is well-positioned within this expanding landscape.
A Persistent Commitment
Despite the setbacks faced during the initial attempt to secure a WNBA team, Parker remains resolute. "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 declared.
It’s hard not to feel inspired by Parker’s determination and the collaborative effort from local authorities and the 76ers organization. Should the plans for 76 Place come to fruition, it could mark a transformative moment for sports in Philadelphia, establishing a dual hub for both NBA and WNBA franchises in the heart of the city.
The Philadelphia 76ers have a rich history dating back to their relocation from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were initially known as the Syracuse Nationals, to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963. Now, they stand on the brink of another significant chapter, one that could see them sharing their home with a new WNBA team, further cementing Philadelphia’s status as a vibrant sports city.
The journey to secure a WNBA team remains ongoing, and while it may be fraught with challenges, the resolve demonstrated by Mayor Parker and the Philadelphia 76ers underscores a community united in its vision for the future. With a proposed state-of-the-art arena in the works, Philadelphia stands ready to welcome a new era of basketball excellence.