Philadelphia’s 76ers and Flyers to Share New Arena by 2031
As Philadelphia moves forward with bold new plans for its beloved sports teams, the 76ers and the NHL's Flyers have confirmed they will continue to call the South Philly Stadium Complex their shared home. The upcoming new arena, slated to open by 2031, marks a significant "50-50 joint venture" between the two franchises. This collaboration reflects a major pivot from the 76ers’ previous endeavors to establish a brand-new arena in Center City, Philadelphia—a move that met substantial resistance.
A Journey Through Contention
For two-and-a-half years, the 76ers actively pursued their vision of a Center City stadium, seeking to plant their roots in the heart of Philadelphia. Although they secured key approvals from city lawmakers last December following a contentious vote, public sentiment remained divided. In fact, a 2024 poll revealed that only 18% of Philadelphia residents citywide supported this ambitious downtown project. The opposition, particularly vocal community groups, made it difficult for the team's leadership to proceed. Recognizing the city’s pulse, the Harris-owned 76ers eventually decided to maintain their legacy in South Philly, a result that echoes past decisions where commerce, culture, and community interests converge.
Leadership Reflects on a New Path
The realization of these plans is receiving praise from both the sports community and local leadership. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver remarked, "Great news for the City of Philadelphia," reflecting the broader sentiment that the venture between HBSE (Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment) and Comcast Spectacor promises to bolster the city's stature as a sporting hub. Silver continued, "I greatly appreciate the leadership of Mayor [Cherelle] Parker and Governor [Josh] Shapiro and the willingness of HBSE and Comcast to join forces, the result of which will be a world-class arena for 76ers and Flyers fans, with opportunities for more teams to come." These collaborative efforts hint at the prospect of not just revitalizing sports infrastructure, but potentially enriching the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
The Future of Philadelphia Sports
While the arena project underscores a continuity in tradition, it's not just about the venue. The ownership groups for the 76ers and the Flyers are actively working on more than just basketball and hockey; they are in the bidding process to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia, broadening the city’s sports horizon. This comes at a time when Josh Harris, who purchased the 76ers from Comcast Spectacor in 2011, is diversifying his sports empire. He also owns the NFL's Washington Commanders and is actively chasing a new stadium in Washington, D.C. The plans for both Philadelphia and Washington exemplify a strategic vision of leveraging sports to uplift community profiles and economics.
Bound by a rich sporting history, with the Eagles and Phillies also part of the South Philly complex, Philadelphia stands poised as a city that celebrates its sports legacy while paving the way for a dynamic future. As these teams lace up to continue thrilling their fans, Philadelphians can look forward to a reinvigorated hub where every game brings the city together.