Mayor Parker and the 76ers Push for a WNBA Team in Philadelphia
In a significant collaboration aimed at expanding the city's basketball culture, Mayor Cherelle Parker has partnered with the Philadelphia 76ers to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the City of Brotherly Love. This endeavor marks an important step in the sports landscape of Philadelphia, a city already passionate about its sports franchises.
A Renewed Effort
The ambition to introduce a WNBA team to Philadelphia isn't new. The first significant attempt occurred a few years ago, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite those challenging times, the drive to bring women's professional basketball to the city has remained undeterred. Mayor Parker, expressing her unwavering determination, 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.”
76 Place: A New Home for Basketball
Central to the push for a WNBA team is the proposed new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers, set to be called 76 Place. Estimated at a cost of $1.3 billion, this state-of-the-art facility promises to elevate the city’s status as a premier basketball destination. Mayor Parker recently delivered an extensive 80-slide presentation detailing the vision for this new arena, set to be located between Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets.
The Sixers aim to transition to 76 Place by the end of their lease at the Wells Fargo Center, which expires in 2031. This new arena agreement is expected to anchor the team in Philadelphia until at least 2061, creating a long-term home for both the 76ers and a potential WNBA franchise. A Sixers spokesperson echoed these aspirations, saying, “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: A Growing League
The WNBA's growth strategy aligns well with Philadelphia's ambitions. The league is currently expanding from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026. New additions like the Golden State Valkyries are set to join next season, with teams in Toronto and Portland to follow in the subsequent year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence that the league can grow to 16 teams by 2028, reflecting the increasing popularity and investment in women’s basketball.
Mayor Parker is optimistic about Philadelphia’s chances, particularly with the new arena on the horizon. She remarked, “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.”
A Rich Basketball History
Philadelphia's rich basketball heritage adds further support to the argument for a WNBA team. The Sixers, originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, relocated to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963, and have since been a pillar of the city's sporting community. The potential addition of a WNBA team would not only honor this legacy but also offer new opportunities for local engagement and inspiration for young athletes.
As the plans for 76 Place move forward, the city eagerly anticipates the potential of having its own WNBA team. The combined efforts of Mayor Parker, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the broader community exemplify a united front driving towards a shared vision. Should these efforts succeed, Philadelphia will further solidify its status as a premier destination for basketball, providing fans with even more reasons to celebrate their city's sporting achievements.