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—a collaborative endeavor that could see Philadelphia once again in the limelight of professional sports.
Efforts to secure a WNBA team for Philadelphia initially took root a few years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite those early attempts being unsuccessful, Parker's resolve remains undeterred. “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 emphasized.
The Vision for 76 Place
An integral part of this ambitious pursuit is the proposed new arena for the Sixers, dubbed 76 Place. Slated to be located at Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets, this cutting-edge facility is projected to cost a staggering $1.3 billion. Parker recently presented an 80-slide deck detailing this vision, which she hopes will be instrumental in drawing a WNBA franchise to the city.
“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 unequivocally.
A Long History and a Bright Future
The Sixers, who relocated from Syracuse, N.Y.—where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals—to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963, have a long and storied history in the city. Their lease at the Wells Fargo Center is set to expire in 2031, and the goal is to transition into 76 Place by the end of that lease. The new arena agreement aims to ensure the Sixers remain in Philadelphia until at least 2061.
A Sixers spokesperson echoed Parker's sentiments, stating, “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.”
WNBA Expansion Efforts
The WNBA is in a phase of active expansion, growing from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026. New franchises like the Golden State Valkyries are set to join the league next season, and Toronto and Portland will debut their WNBA teams in the subsequent year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence that the league can grow to 16 teams by 2028.
As Philadelphia positions itself for a bid, the synergy between local government and the Sixers organization will be paramount. Parker's continued advocacy, combined with the promise of a state-of-the-art arena, makes for a compelling case to the league and the city's sports fans alike.
While the timeline remains fluid, the commitment from both the public and private sectors signals a strong and united front. Parker's resolve, shared by the Sixers organization, highlights a shared vision of bringing more professional women's basketball to the Philadelphia sports scene.