Philadelphia's WNBA Prospects Strengthen with New Arena Proposal
Mayor Cherelle Parker has partnered with the Philadelphia 76ers in a renewed effort to bring a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the City of Brotherly Love. This collaborative endeavor marks a significant step forward in a city that has long craved representation in the women's professional basketball arena.
The latest push is far from Philadelphia's first attempt to secure a WNBA team. The initial effort dates back to a few years ago, around the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the setback, Parker remains undeterred. "We were able to secure support from the governor, from the city, its administration and legislative body," Parker said. "Although they were not successful, you all know me. I don't take no easy."
A New Home for the Sixers
The revival of Philadelphia's WNBA ambitions comes on the heels of Parker's recent 80-slide presentation detailing the proposed new arena for the Sixers, dubbed 76 Place. This state-of-the-art project, estimated to cost $1.3 billion, is planned to be strategically located at the intersection of Market and Filbert streets and between 10th and 11th streets. The new arena promises to be more than just a home for the Sixers; it aims to be the city's sporting epicenter.
The proposal is timely as the Sixers' lease at the Wells Fargo Center is set to expire in 2031. The team aims to transition to 76 Place by the end of their lease, with the new arena agreement securing the Sixers in Philadelphia until at least 2061. "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," Parker asserted.
Expanding the WNBA Horizon
The WNBA is on the brink of expansion, looking to increase its number of teams from 12 to at least 15 by 2026. New franchises, such as the Golden State Valkyries, are poised to join the league next season, while Toronto and Portland will debut their teams in the subsequent year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed optimism about the league’s growth, predicting that the WNBA could bolster its ranks to 16 teams by 2028.
Regarding Philadelphia's potential WNBA team, the Sixers have signaled their commitment to this vision. “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,” declared a Sixers spokesperson.
Building Momentum
The Sixers' history is rich with relocations and reinventions. The team moved from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963. Since then, the Sixers have become an integral part of Philadelphia’s sports culture. The addition of a WNBA team could add another vibrant chapter to this storied history, further cementing the city as a bastion of professional basketball.
Parker’s determination and the Sixers' strategic support form a potent combination poised to revolutionize the local sports scene. As Philadelphia ramps up its efforts, enthusiasts and stakeholders are buoyed by the promise of new possibilities. "I want us to keep working extremely hard, as hard as we can, united together," Parker emphasized, rallying the community for the cause.
With the WNBA expanding and 76 Place on the horizon, the groundwork is well-laden for Philadelphia to host its own women's professional basketball team. As both the city and the Sixers continue to push for progress, the hope is that Philadelphia will soon stand tall as a dual basketball powerhouse, embodying the spirit and resilience of its people.