If Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has her way, the City of Brotherly Love could soon be home to a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team. Teaming up with the Philadelphia 76ers, Parker is spearheading an initiative that aims to expand the city's basketball footprint.
The push for a WNBA franchise in Philadelphia isn’t a new endeavor. The first effort occurred a few years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though unsuccessful at the time, Parker remains determined. “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 said.
The Proposal: 76 Place
As part of the larger vision to enhance Philadelphia's sports culture, Parker recently presented an ambitious project: a new arena for the Sixers, dubbed 76 Place. The $1.3 billion project is proposed to be located between Market, Filbert, 10th, and 11th streets. The Sixers, who relocated from Syracuse, N.Y., in 1963, plan to transition to this new home by the end of their lease at Wells Fargo Center in 2031.
Parker is optimistic that 76 Place will bolster the city's chances of landing 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,” she noted.
A Shared Vision
The Sixers organization shares Parker's enthusiasm. “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,” said a Sixers spokesperson.
Parker's presentation was comprehensive, spanning 80 slides that detail the project’s potential impact. The new arena agreement aims to keep the Sixers in the city until at least 2061, ensuring the longevity of professional basketball in Philadelphia.
As the city pushes forward with these plans, the WNBA itself is in the midst of expansion. The league is poised to grow from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026, with new franchises like the Golden State Valkyries set to join next season. Toronto and Portland will introduce their own teams in the following year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is confident about the league's growth trajectory, expressing that the WNBA could expand to 16 teams by 2028.
Philadelphia's pursuit of a WNBA team comes at a time when women’s sports are gaining increased visibility and support. With Parker's relentless drive and the Sixers’ backing, the potential for a new WNBA franchise in Philadelphia appears increasingly viable.