Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Ambitious Bid to Bring a WNBA Franchise to Philadelphia
Philadelphia could soon be adding a new chapter to its storied basketball history. In a bold move, Mayor Cherelle Parker has partnered with the Philadelphia 76ers to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to the city. This collaboration marks a renewed effort that initially began a few years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While those initial attempts were unsuccessful, Parker is far from deterred.
“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 affirmed.
A New Home for the Sixers
Parker’s relentless drive dovetails with a significant new project for the city: a proposed arena for the Sixers, dubbed 76 Place. This ambitious $1.3 billion arena is planned for a location encompassing Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets. The Sixers, currently residing at the Wells Fargo Center, have had their lease extended until it expires in 2031. The team aims to transition into the state-of-the-art 76 Place by the end of that lease.
74rsthe Sixers’ spokesperson expressed synergy with Parker’s vision, confirming active discussions with the league: “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.”
A successful transition to 76 Place would ensure the Sixers’ continued presence in Philadelphia until at least 2061, anchoring the team in a vibrant new venue that can serve as a foundation for further basketball ventures, including the WNBA.
WNBA Expansion Plans
The timing of this effort aligns well with the WNBA’s own expansion strategy. The league, which currently boasts 12 teams, is set to grow to at least 15 teams by 2026. The Golden State Valkyries are poised to join the league next season, and Philadelphia could be a logical future addition thanks to its rich basketball heritage and growing fan base.
Leading the WNBA’s expansion drive, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has voiced her optimism about the league’s growth trajectory. “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,” Engelbert noted. The league's expansion roadmap aims to see the WNBA grow to 16 teams by 2028, with Toronto and Portland debuting their teams after the Golden State Valkyries.
An Integrated Vision for Philadelphia Basketball
Parker’s strategy is not just about fulfilling a long-held dream but about synergizing this dream with the monumental 76 Place project to elevate Philadelphia’s basketball profile on both national and international stages. Her assertiveness in pursuit of this goal reflects in her recent 80-slide presentation focusing on the proposed new arena, illustrating an integrated vision for the future of basketball 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 asserted.
With the Sixers poised to embark on their journey to 76 Place, the atmosphere in Philadelphia is one of cautious optimism. Fans and citizens alike are aware that bringing a WNBA team to the city could cement Philadelphia's status as a basketball powerhouse while fostering a greater sense of community through sports.
The combined efforts of Parker and the Philadelphia 76ers establish a robust foundation for Philadelphia’s potential future WNBA franchise. With the ambitious vision for 76 Place and the alignment with the league's expansion plans, it's clear that Parker and the city's administration are committed to turning this dream into a reality. Whether Philadelphia will join the ranks of cities hosting a WNBA team will unfold in the coming years, but the groundwork laid down is undeniably promising.