Mayor Parker and the 76ers Aim to Bring WNBA Team to Philadelphia
Mayor Cherelle Parker has teamed up with the Philadelphia 76ers to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the city. This ambitious endeavor comes on the heels of a previous attempt that fell short, but Parker 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,” Parker passionately remarked.
The first effort to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia happened a few years ago, around the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, but obstacles proved insurmountable. Now, as mayor, Parker is determined to see this vision come to fruition. She recently delivered an 80-slide presentation on a proposed new arena for the Sixers, dubbed 76 Place, a project estimated to cost $1.3 billion.
A New Home for the Sixers
The proposed 76 Place arena is set to be located at Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets. This multi-billion-dollar facility will not only serve as the new home for the Sixers but is also envisioned to house the anticipated 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 asserted.
The Sixers have long been part of Philadelphia’s sports fabric, having relocated from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963. Their lease at the Wells Fargo Center is due to expire in 2031. According to the plans, they aim to transition to 76 Place by the end of that lease.
A part of the agreement to keep the Sixers in Philadelphia until at least 2061, this new arena promises to be a state-of-the-art facility that would elevate the city’s stature in the basketball world. Speaking on behalf of the Sixers, a team spokesperson confirmed, “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 and Opportunities
The WNBA is currently expanding from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026, with new franchises like the Golden State Valkyries set to join next season, while Toronto and Portland will debut their teams the following year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence that the league can grow to 16 teams by 2028, which opens the door for Philadelphia to potentially secure one of those upcoming slots.
The synergy between the Sixers’ new arena project and the WNBA’s expansion plans could be the catalyst needed to bring women’s professional basketball to Philadelphia. With the new arena serving as a potential home for both the Sixers and a WNBA team, the city is positioning itself as a key player in the future landscape of the league.
The collaborative spirit between municipal leadership and the Sixers organization showcases a unified front. Parker’s relentless drive and the Sixers’ commitment reflect a shared vision of growing the sport and providing a platform for women’s basketball in a city rich with sports history.
As the WNBA continues to explore expansion opportunities, Philadelphia’s well-founded bid represents a compelling case. Securing a team would not only energize local fans but also contribute to the broader growth and popularity of the league.
As Parker and the Sixers work tirelessly towards this goal, the city of Philadelphia watches with anticipation, hopeful that the dream of hosting a WNBA team will soon become a reality.