In a bold move underscoring her commitment to advancing women's sports, Mayor Cherelle Parker has teamed up with the Philadelphia 76ers to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the city. This collaboration comes amid broader efforts to elevate Philadelphia's status in the sports world, highlighted by Parker’s recent presentation of a new arena proposal for the Sixers, dubbed 76 Place.
The Drive to Bring WNBA to Philadelphia
Initiatives to introduce a WNBA team to Philadelphia date back several years, notably around the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite initial setbacks, Parker remains undaunted in her pursuit. “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 emphasized.
Her determination is mirrored by the 76ers organization, which sees the proposed new arena as a significant step towards achieving this goal. A spokesperson for the Sixers affirmed, “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.”
The Vision for 76 Place
The 80-slide presentation Parker recently delivered set out an ambitious vision for a state-of-the-art arena located at Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets. Estimated at a staggering $1.3 billion, 76 Place aims not merely to be a home for the Sixers but a beacon for sports enthusiasm in Philadelphia. “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 remarked, underscoring the broader civic and economic benefits anticipated from this development.
The proposal comes at an opportune moment, with the Sixers planning to transition from their current home at the Wells Fargo Center by the time their lease expires in 2031. The new agreement for 76 Place ensures the team remains rooted in Philadelphia until at least 2061, fortifying the city’s long-term sports infrastructure.
WNBA’s Expansion Plans
Philadelphia’s campaign aligns with the WNBA’s own expansion trajectory. The league is set to grow from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026, with new franchises such as the Golden State Valkyries joining next season. Additionally, Toronto and Portland are scheduled to debut their teams the following year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed optimism about the league’s potential, stating her confidence in expanding to 16 teams by 2028.
A New Era for Philadelphia Sports
The collaboration between Mayor Parker and the 76ers can be seen as part of a broader strategy to position Philadelphia as a premier sports city, capable of hosting top-tier men’s and women’s professional teams. The new arena, along with a potential WNBA team, presents a transformative opportunity for the city, promising not just economic boosts but also enhanced community spirit and increased visibility on the national sports stage.
With determined leaders like Parker at the helm and robust support from key stakeholders, Philadelphia’s vision of hosting a WNBA team is becoming increasingly tangible. As the city works diligently towards this goal, its sports enthusiasts have much to look forward to in the coming years.