Mayor Parker and the Sixers Join Forces to Bring WNBA Team to Philadelphia
In a concerted effort to elevate Philadelphia's profile in professional sports, Mayor Cherelle Parker has teamed up with the Philadelphia 76ers to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the city. Mayor Parker, a steadfast advocate for women's sports, has made it clear through various initiatives that she is committed to seeing this vision come to fruition.
The initiative to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia first took shape a few years ago, amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite not achieving immediate success, the foundational support garnered from government officials and the city's administration was a pivotal step. "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 emphasized, underscoring her unwavering determination.
Building Momentum with 76 Place Arena
The renewed drive for a WNBA team is intrinsically linked to the plans for a proposed new arena for the Sixers. Dubbed 76 Place, this $1.3 billion project was a centerpiece in Mayor Parker's recent 80-slide presentation. The proposed arena, set to be located at Market and Filbert streets, is envisioned not only as a new home for the Philadelphia 76ers but potentially for a forthcoming WNBA team as well.
“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 stated. Her belief is echoed by stakeholders and the local community, who see the new arena as a significant stepping stone towards securing a WNBA franchise.
A Sixers spokesperson shared the organization’s enthusiasm, 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.”
Historical Context and Future Aspirations
The Philadelphia 76ers have a rich history that began when they 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 set to expire in 2031, aligning perfectly with their ambitions to transition to 76 Place by the end of their lease. The new arena agreement would ensure the Sixers remain in Philadelphia until at least 2061, solidifying the team’s long-term presence in the city.
Meanwhile, the WNBA is on an expansion trajectory, growing from its current 12 teams to at least 15 by 2026. New franchises, such as the Golden State Valkyries, are set to join next season, while Toronto and Portland will debut their WNBA teams in the following year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence in the league’s potential to expand to 16 teams by 2028.
For Philadelphia, this represents not merely the acquisition of a new sports team but the opportunity to be at the forefront of promoting and supporting women's sports within the city and beyond. The collaborative efforts of Mayor Parker and the Philadelphia 76ers, coupled with the strategic development of 76 Place, signal a promising future where Philadelphia proudly hosts both an NBA and a WNBA team, fostering a robust sports culture that champions diversity and inclusion.
In conclusion, the vision laid out by Mayor Parker and supported by the Sixers organization is one of transformative potential. With the groundwork laid and the city’s determined push, Philadelphia is poised to become a bustling hub for professional basketball both for men’s and women’s leagues, elevating its stature in the world of sports while inspiring future generations.