Philadelphia takes another shot at securing a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team, with Mayor Cherelle Parker partnering with the Philadelphia 76ers in a renewed effort to bring the franchise to the city. This initiative arrives as part of a broader strategy intertwined with the proposed new arena for the Sixers, known as 76 Place.
A Revived Effort Amidst a Transformative Arena Project
The push to attract a WNBA team to Philadelphia isn't new; it began during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, although those initial attempts did not bear fruit. Reflecting on the hard-fought negotiations and their temporary setbacks, Parker stated, “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.”
In a recent presentation, Parker unveiled an ambitious 80-slide proposal for 76 Place, the upcoming arena planned for Market and Filbert streets, spanning from 10th to 11th streets. The estimated cost of this state-of-the-art facility is projected at $1.3 billion. The new arena is not merely envisioned as a home for the Sixers but also as a potential venue for a future WNBA franchise.
Strategic Motivation and Long-Term Goals
The Sixers' current lease at the Wells Fargo Center is set to expire in 2031, and the team aims to transition to 76 Place by the end of that lease. The new arrangement, however, isn't just about a physical move—it's about a commitment to the city of Philadelphia. Under the new agreement, the Sixers would remain in the city until at least 2061. “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 emphasized.
WNBA Expansion Creates New Opportunities
The WNBA’s expansion plans play into Philadelphia's strategic aspirations. The league is set to grow from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026, with new franchises such as the Golden State Valkyries joining the league next season. Furthermore, Toronto and Portland are scheduled to debut their own WNBA teams in the subsequent year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence that the league could grow to 16 teams by 2028. This gives Philadelphia a golden opportunity to be part of this significant expansion wave.
The Sixers organization is fully behind this initiative. A spokesperson for the team 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.”
The historical context further enriches this narrative. The Sixers, originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, relocated to Philadelphia in 1963. The commitment to stay in Philadelphia until 2061, coupled with the prospect of hosting a WNBA team, underscores a long-term vision for sports in the city that intertwines heritage with future growth.
As the city gears up for this ambitious endeavor, the collaboration between Mayor Parker, the 76ers, and various stakeholders symbolizes a collective effort to elevate Philadelphia's standing in the sports world. The potential arrival of a WNBA team, highlighted by the construction of 76 Place, promises not only to enhance the city’s sports infrastructure but also to ignite a new era of basketball excellence and community engagement.