The 76ers pull a 180 on the new arena project, staying in South Philly
In a shocking turn of events, c The new arena of the Philadelphia 76ers in the center of the city it is now discontinued. The Sixers, after years of efforts to build a new home downtown, will remain in South Philly’s stadium district.
Ernest Owens of Philadelphia magazine first reported that the 76ers’ plans for their new arena, 76 Place at Market East, were scrapped after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell chimed in. According to Sean Collins Walsh of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers and Comcast Spectacular, owner of the Wells Fargo Center and the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, will work together on the new stadium.
John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia added that the 76ers and Flyers will be 50/50 partners in the new home for both teams. The Sixers wanted the new arena to have more control over its layout and facilities, as well as play a role in the revitalization of Center City. Although they won’t be moving downtown, they’re still finding a way to do it.
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The 76ers will remain in South Philly despite approval for a downtown arena
The Philadelphia City Council approved legislation for a new arena in December, but the team is now reversing course just a month later. The 76ers have faced stiff opposition from local activists and Comcast Spectacor in their new project, which was announced in July 2022, and rumors have spread about a potential move to New Jersey. They reached an agreement with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration last September.
According to Kevin Kinkead of Crossing Broad, the new arena plan will include a bid for VNBA team in Philadelphia. As the league grows, so does the city eager to join the next round expansion after Bay Area, Portland and Toronto teams were announced.
The 76ers first moved into the Wells Fargo Center in 1996 and have played in a building that has undergone various name changes and will get another one in August 2025. The team’s lease expires in 2031, making the City Council vote in December the most important for his ability to stick to his time lines.
2025-01-12 17:40:00
