The city of Philadelphia is making strides toward expanding its professional sports portfolio. Mayor Cherelle Parker has joined forces with the Philadelphia 76ers in a determined bid to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the City of Brotherly Love.
This effort isn’t Philadelphia’s first venture into acquiring a WNBA franchise. The initial attempt was made a few years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite not being successful, Mayor Parker remains undeterred, expressing her relentless pursuit of this goal. “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 emphatically stated.
A New Home for Hoops
Part of Philadelphia’s strategy to attract a WNBA team involves the recent unveiling of an 80-slide presentation by Parker on a new arena for the Sixers, named 76 Place. This ambitious project is estimated to cost $1.3 billion and aims to serve as the future home for both the Philadelphia 76ers and a prospective WNBA team.
The planned 76 Place arena is strategically situated at the intersection of Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets. The Sixers’ current lease at the Wells Fargo Center is set to expire in 2031, and the goal is to transition to 76 Place by that time. The new arena agreement is designed to secure the Sixers’ presence in Philadelphia until at least 2061. A Sixers spokesperson reinforced this long-term vision, stating, “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 on the Horizon
The timing for Philadelphia’s renewed push is apt given the WNBA’s ongoing expansion. From its current lineup of 12 teams, the league has active plans to grow to at least 15 teams by 2026. New franchises like the Golden State Valkyries are set to debut next season, adding fresh excitement and competition to the league.
Toronto and Portland are poised to introduce their WNBA teams in the subsequent year, signaling significant momentum in the league’s growth trajectory. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has also shown optimism about the league's future, expressing confidence that it might expand to 16 teams by 2028. Such trends point to a favorable environment for Philadelphia’s ambitions.
A Boost from the Sixers' New Arena
Parker is confident that the proposed new Sixers arena will bolster Philadelphia’s bid for a 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,” she remarked.
The Sixers' history of relocation adds depth to the narrative. The team moved from Syracuse, New York, where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963. Since then, they have become an integral part of the city’s sports culture. The move to 76 Place aims to enhance this legacy while fostering an environment conducive to hosting a WNBA team.
In the context of these developments, Philadelphia’s determined efforts to bring a WNBA team to the city are more than just a sports story. They reflect a broader aspiration to enhance the city’s sports offerings and bring more inclusive professional sports entertainment to its residents. The synergy between the city's administration, spearheaded by Mayor Parker, and the steadfast support of the Sixers organization, emphasizes a unified vision for Philadelphia’s sporting future.
With Mayor Parker at the helm and the new Sixers arena on the horizon, Philadelphia is positioning itself as a prime candidate for the next WNBA franchise, ready to make history once again in the world of professional sports.