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Clap Your Hands Everybody: Philadelphia 76ers Set to Stay in South Philly

Writer's picture: Gabby PainterGabby Painter

South Philadelphia’s Sports Complex is a unique and iconic hub housing all of the city's major sports teams in one centralized location. The complex includes three arenas: the Wells Fargo Center, home of the 76ers (National Basketball Association), the Flyers (National Hockey League), and the Wings (National Lacrosse League), Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Eagles (National Football League), and Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies (Major League Baseball).


This idea for a new billion-dollar Sixers arena in Market East, a commercial district in Eastern Center City Philadelphia has sparked controversy and harsh opposition.[2] Despite backlash, the Philadelphia City Council approved the plans for Market East in December 2024, a move motivated by the location’s proximity to key sites like the Fashion District and Jefferson Station.[3] However, a recent shift in plans has led to the announcement that the Sixers will now remain in South Philly.[4] They will instead build a new state-of-the-art arena in the sports complex, set to open in 2031, helping to keep the rich legacy and tradition of Philadelphia’s Sports Complex alive.[5]


76 Place at Market East


The 76ers (“Sixers”) initially planned to move to Market East and build a $1.3 billion privately funded arena, "76 Place," atop SEPTA's Jefferson Station at 10th and Market Street.[6] The goal of the move was for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), the owners of the Sixers, to gain greater control over operations and revenue streams at the stadium, including scheduling, naming rights, concessions, and digital advertising.[7] Currently, Comcast Spectacor controls these operations and revenue options at the Sixers’ homecourt, the Wells Fargo Center.[8] The ownership group wants a state-of-the-art basketball facility and the central downtown location was strategically chosen to attract corporate sponsors, high-end clientele, and enhance the team’s identity as a centerpiece of Philadelphia’s sports and entertainment scene.[9]

 

The Sixers’ original proposal for 76 Place (the “Market East project”), announced in 2022, sparked significant opposition from Chinatown residents and community activists.[10] Public protests and political pressure against the Market East project was fueled by concerns about displacement, gentrification, and the loss of cultural heritage. This left many Philadelphians questioning the project's economic benefits and how it would impact surrounding areas. These challenges, coupled with logistical and legal hurdles, were one of the reasons the Sixers abandoned the project.[11] However, the cancellation of the Market East project came as a surprise to most, especially after the Philadelphia City Council passed eleven bills related to the proposal in December 2024, marking a key milestone in the project’s development.[12] It was not until January 2025 that the plans shifted dramatically.

 

Mayor Cherelle Parker, who had initially supported the downtown arena and saw it as a catalyst for revitalizing the Market East neighborhood, responded to the project's cancellation by announcing the new plan.[13] In partnership with Comcast Spectacor, the Sixers will instead build a new state-of-the-art arena in South Philadelphia, set to open in 2031. While acknowledging the loss of the downtown investment, Mayor Parker expressed optimism that the new arena would be completed quickly and greatly benefit the city.[14]

 

South Philly Roots Run Deep

 

This change in plans allows the Sixers to remain in the iconic South Philadelphia Sports Complex where they will share the new arena with the Flyers.[15] The decision preserves the legacy and tradition of the complex and ensures the Sixers stay at the heart of the city’s sports scene. The new arena will both improve fan experience and grant the HBSE group operational flexibility while minimizing disruption to established neighborhoods.[16] This change in direction highlights the Sixers’ and their partners' responsiveness to the evolving landscape of Philadelphia’s sports infrastructure and their commitment to strengthening the city's sports legacy.

 

Overall, this investment will focus on both sports and commercial development, and the project aims to create thousands of jobs and stimulate significant economic growth for Philadelphia and its surrounding areas.[17] While all the terms and details of the agreement for the new South Philadelphia arena have yet to be released, revitalizing Market East is still part of the plan, with Comcast Spectacor and the Sixers committing to a 50-50 joint venture to rejuvenate the area.[18] They will likely do this through efforts to bring more retail, restaurants, and recreational activities to the community.[19]

 

Under this agreement, Comcast will secure the naming rights to the new arena, set to replace the “Wells Fargo” Center once its naming rights expire this year, in 2025.[20] Comcast will also obtain a minority ownership stake in the Sixers, further deepening their involvement with the team.[21] The new arena will prioritize public transit access, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.[22] The agreement also includes a joint effort between Comcast Spectacor and the Sixers to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (“WNBA”) team to Philadelphia.[23] The project has received strong support from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.[24] Silver expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the opportunity to enhance the fan experience and support the growth of women’s sports through the potential addition of a WNBA team.[25] Goodell also voiced his support, recognizing the arena’s potential to create a world-class sports and entertainment destination in the Sports Complex, that will both benefit Philadelphia’s sports community and further solidify the city’s position as a key hub for major sporting events.

 

Overall, the new project plans, though seemingly a sudden shift, have been widely embraced by sports fans and Philadelphians alike. Everyone is excited about the prospect of an upgraded arena and the continued centralization of the city’s sports teams within the iconic South Philadelphia Sports Complex. This new plan strikes a balance of ensuring that the heart of Philadelphia sports remains intact, while also generating optimism about the positive impact on the surrounding areas and the city's future development.



GABBY PAINTER (staff writer) is a 2L from Spring City, PA. She is an avid Philadelphia sports fan. Currently, Gabby is on the Basketball Negotiation Team at Villanova and interning in the athletic compliance department at her alma mater, Franklin & Marshall College. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in negotiating contracts for a professional basketball team.




References:

[2] Simon, Alexandra. Plans to build 76ers arena in Center City fall through. Team to stay in South Philadelphia, sources say. (13 Jan 2025).

[3] Id.

[4] Id.

[5] Associated Press. 76ers, Flyers to play in new South Philadelphia arena in 2031. (13 Jan 2025).

[6] Simon supra.

[7] Id.

[8] Moselle, Aaron. A billion-dollar saga: How the Sixers arena proposal went from a done deal to a stunning reversal. (17 Jan 2025).

[9] Id.

[10] Id.

[11] Id.

[12] Simon supra.

[13] Simon, Alexandra. Mayor Parker calls deal to build new 76ers arena in South Philadelphia a “win” for the city. (13 Jan 2025).

[14] Id.

[15] 76ers PR. Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Comcast Spectator Announce Joint Venture to Build World-Class Arena in South Philadelphia as well as Revitalize Market East. (13 Jan 2025).

[16] Id.

[17] Id.

[18] Id.

[19] Cole, Jeff. Sixers Arena: What’s Next for Market East?. (15 Jan 2025).

[20] Perez, Walter. Sixers owners and Comcast Spectator announce plan for new arena in South Philadelphia. (13 Jan 2025).

[21] Id.

[22] Id.

[23] 76ers PR supra.

[24] McCormick, Kevin. Commissioner Adam Silver Steps in on Sixers Arena Change. (12 Jan 2025).

[25] Id.

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