Philadelphia is on the verge of potentially joining the ranks of cities with Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) teams, thanks to a collaborative effort led by Mayor Cherelle Parker and the Philadelphia 76ers. This concerted push seeks to establish a WNBA franchise in a sports city already renowned for its passionate fan base and deep basketball roots.
A History of Determination
Efforts to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia began several years ago, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite those initial attempts falling short, 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," Parker said, reflecting her resolute spirit.
The Vision for 76 Place
Central to this renewed bid is the planned new arena for the 76ers, dubbed 76 Place. This $1.3 billion project, proposed to be located at Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets, envisions a modern, state-of-the-art home for the Sixers and potentially a WNBA team. Parker recently presented an extensive 80-slide deck detailing the vision for 76 Place, underscoring the city’s commitment to making this arena a centerpiece of Philadelphia’s sports landscape.
"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, emphasizing how the new arena could bolster the city’s chances in securing a franchise.
The 76ers' Role
The Sixers have a storied history, relocating from Syracuse, N.Y., where they were known as the Syracuse Nationals, to Philadelphia on May 22, 1963. With their lease at the Wells Fargo Center set to expire in 2031, the Sixers aim to transition to 76 Place by that time. The new arena agreement would keep the Sixers in Philadelphia until at least 2061, cementing the team's long-term future in the city.
A Sixers spokesperson conveyed the organization's shared ambition, 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
The prospect of Philadelphia getting a WNBA team comes at an opportune time, as the WNBA is expanding from 12 to at least 15 teams by 2026. New franchises, such as the Golden State Valkyries, are set to join next season, followed by Toronto and Portland, which will debut their teams in the subsequent year. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence in the league's growth trajectory, predicting an expansion to 16 teams by 2028.
Looking Forward
As the WNBA prepares to grow, Philadelphia's bid for a team appears well-timed and strategically aligned with the league’s expansion plans. The combination of political support, a new state-of-the-art arena, and the 76ers' backing forms a compelling case for the city.
With Mayor Parker's unwavering determination and the Sixers' enthusiastic involvement, Philadelphia's quest for a WNBA franchise is gathering momentum. While there are still hurdles to clear, the coordinated effort places the City of Brotherly Love in a strong position to join the WNBA's expanding family, promising an exciting future for women's basketball in Philadelphia.