Philadelphia has always been a sports-loving city, and now, it has set its sights on adding a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to its roster. Mayor Cherelle Parker is at the forefront of this effort, collaborating with the Philadelphia 76ers to make this dream a reality.
A Renewed Push for a WNBA Team
The idea of bringing a WNBA team to Philadelphia isn't new. The first significant effort occurred a few years ago during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, Mayor Parker, known for her tenacity, isn't one to let setbacks deter her. “We were able to secure support from the governor, from the city, its administration and legislative body,” she recalls. “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.”
The Vision: 76 Place
The centerpiece of this renewed endeavor is a proposed new arena for the Sixers, aptly named 76 Place. This state-of-the-art facility is projected to cost $1.3 billion and will be located at Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets. Mayor Parker recently delivered an extensive 80-slide presentation detailing the vision behind 76 Place. The aim is for this new arena not only to serve the 76ers but also to become the home for a future WNBA team.
The Sixers have a storied history in Philadelphia, having relocated from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, on May 22, 1963. Their current lease at the Wells Fargo Center is due to expire in 2031, and they aim to transition to 76 Place by the end of the lease period. The agreement for the new arena ensures that the Sixers will remain in Philadelphia at least until 2061.
Expanding the WNBA
The WNBA itself is on a path of growth. The league is expanding from 12 teams to at least 15 by 2026, with new franchises like the Golden State Valkyries set to join next season. Toronto and Portland are also gearing up to debut their WNBA teams in the following year. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is optimistic about the league’s future, expressing confidence that the WNBA can grow to 16 teams by 2028.
In light of these developments, Mayor Parker believes that the new Sixers arena could be a turning point. “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 asserts passionately.
Unified Vision
The push for a WNBA team is a unified effort, with both the city’s administration and the 76ers organization showing strong support. A Sixers spokesperson emphasized this shared ambition: “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.”
If successful, this initiative will not only enhance Philadelphia’s reputation in the sports world but also provide a significant boost to women's sports in the city. The collaboration between city officials and the Sixers reflects a dedicated and concerted effort to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia. The future looks promising as they work together towards making this vision a reality.
As the WNBA continues its expansion, Philadelphia's bid for a team stands strengthened by the promise of a state-of-the-art arena and a fervent, supportive community. All eyes will be on this collaborative effort to see if Philadelphia can secure its place as home to a future WNBA franchise.