In a bold move that could reshape the landscape of women's professional basketball in Philadelphia, Mayor Cherelle Parker has partnered with the Philadelphia 76ers to bring a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the city. This initiative isn't entirely new; the first attempt to establish a WNBA presence in Philadelphia occurred a few years ago, right around the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, that initial effort fell short. However, the determined Mayor Parker is not one to accept defeat readily.
Mayor Parker, echoing her characteristic tenacity, 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.” Her words underscore the collective will and ongoing efforts to bring elite women's basketball to Philadelphia, aligning well with the city’s unyielding sports culture.
Entwined in this initiative is another ambitious plan: the construction of a new arena for the Sixers, aptly named 76 Place, which Mayor Parker recently showcased in an 80-slide presentation. This proposed arena, set to be a colossal $1.3 billion project, aims to replace Wells Fargo Center as the home court for the Sixers. Its proposed location stretches across the bustling Market and Filbert streets and from 10th to 11th streets, placing it at the heart of the city's sports district.
The Sixers, whose storied history in Philadelphia began on May 22, 1963, after relocating from Syracuse where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, are looking ahead to the next chapter of their legacy. Their lease at the Wells Fargo Center is due to expire in 2031, and the transition to 76 Place is planned to coincide with this timeline. Under the new agreement, the Sixers will remain in Philadelphia until at least 2061, anchoring the team firmly in the community they have called home for nearly six decades.
This new arena could play a pivotal role in Philadelphia's aspirations to secure a WNBA team. Mayor Parker is optimistic, asserting, “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.”
The Sixers organization mirrors this sentiment. A Sixers spokesperson 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.” This dual-purpose vision for 76 Place not only elevates the Sixers' infrastructure but also aligns the city's basketball trajectory with the broader goals of expanding women's sports in the area.
The timing is opportune. The WNBA is currently undergoing an expansion, moving from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026. New franchises like the Golden State Valkyries are set to join next season, further enriching the league's competitive landscape. Following this, Toronto and Portland will introduce their teams in subsequent years. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed strong confidence that the league can grow to 16 teams by 2028, reflecting the increasing popularity and financial viability of women's basketball.
For Philadelphia, securing a WNBA team would not only enhance the city's already vibrant sports culture but also provide substantial economic and social benefits. Such an addition would cater to growing local and national audiences eager for more diverse and inclusive sports entertainment options. As the city and the Sixers continue to push this agenda forward, it becomes evident that the collective efforts of stakeholders, coupled with infrastructural advancements like 76 Place, place Philadelphia in a prime position to welcome a WNBA franchise.
In conclusion, Mayor Cherelle Parker’s relentless drive and strategic collaboration with the Philadelphia 76ers illustrate a shared vision of elevating the city’s sports scene. By merging the establishment of the new 76 Place arena with the pursuit of a WNBA team, Philadelphia is making a robust bid to become a landmark for both men's and women's professional basketball, promising an exciting future ahead.