Philadelphia's Quest for a WNBA Team Gains Momentum
Mayor Cherelle Parker has teamed up with the Philadelphia 76ers in an ambitious effort to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the city. This development marks a significant push to elevate women's sports within Philadelphia, coinciding with plans for a multi-billion dollar arena.
The initial effort to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia occurred a few years ago at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite not succeeding at that time, Mayor Parker remains undeterred. “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,” she asserted.
A New Home for the Sixers and Potential WNBA Team
Mayor Parker recently presented an extensive 80-slide presentation on a proposed new arena for the Sixers, dubbed “76 Place.” Estimated to cost $1.3 billion, this state-of-the-art facility is set to be located at Market and Filbert streets, between 10th and 11th streets. The new arena is part of a grand vision to not only house the Sixers but also potentially host 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,” Parker highlighted.
The Sixers’ lease at the Wells Fargo Center is due to expire in 2031, aligning perfectly with the planned transition to 76 Place. The agreement aims to keep the Sixers in Philadelphia until at least 2061, ensuring long-term stability and fostering a supportive environment for potential WNBA expansion.
A Sixers spokesperson echoed this sentiment, 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 Plans
The WNBA is actively expanding from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026, reflecting the growing interest in women’s basketball. New franchises like the Golden State Valkyries are set to join next season, with Toronto and Portland scheduled to debut their teams in the following year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence that the league can grow to 16 teams by 2028. This expansion presents a timely opportunity for Philadelphia to secure a place in the league’s future plans.
A Historic Basketball Legacy
Philadelphia has a rich basketball history, dating back to the Sixers' relocation from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, on May 22, 1963. The proposed 76 Place arena promises to be a new chapter in the city’s storied basketball narrative, potentially adding a WNBA franchise to its legacy.
Mayor Parker and the Sixers' collaborative effort symbolizes a commitment to not only retaining the city's NBA heritage but also expanding its basketball horizons. As plans for the 76 Place arena progress, Philadelphia fans eagerly await the potential arrival of a WNBA team, further solidifying the city's role as a hub for basketball excellence.