• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 17, 2025

New Sixers Arena Clears Key Philadelphia City Council Vote

The plan for the new arena still needs to clear another vote before it can move forward, but Thursday’s vote was a victory for the team.

Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The 76ers received initial approval from a committee in Philadelphia City Council Thursday that advances the team’s controversial plan for a new downtown arena.

It’s a critical first step for the team that wants to build a new $1.55 billion venue in the city’s Chinatown neighborhood. The plan has been fought and protested at every step, and a city-sponsored study found the arena could displace residents, hurt local businesses, and gentrify the neighborhood. Mayor Cherelle Parker is in favor of the “76 Place” plan, and believes it could help the city land a WNBA franchise, and the Sixers say a move from South Philly to Chinatown would benefit the neighborhood. Ultimately only four City Council members voted against the plan, with 12 voting in favor.

Multiple bills related to 76 Place advanced, including ones aimed at curbing displacement and increasing economic opportunities in the neighborhood. The vote for final approval is scheduled for Dec. 19, the same day the council begins a winter recess.

The committee had previously postponed a hearing on the plan twice. Demonstrators both for and against the plan interrupted Wednesday’s hearing, and pushed it to Thursday.

The current plan says the team has to pay $60 million over the next 30 years in a Community Benefits Agreement. The team had originally proposed $50 million, while the city suggested $100 million. “It is deplorable to learn the 76ers and their billionaire owners think our communities are worth only $60 million over 30 years. They recently gave a single athlete $193 million over 3 years,” two councilmembers who voted against the plan said in a statement. About half of the funding would go to Chinatown, and the rest would be spread among city initiatives like education and public transportation.

“We appreciate City Council advancing these bills. This is an important next step in building 76 Place. We are reviewing the amendments that were added today to ensure they align with our understanding of our agreement with the City,” a Sixers spokesperson said in a statement.

Comcast Spectacor, which owns and operates the team’s current Wells Fargo Center in south Philadelphia, has said it is open to renewing a lease with the Sixers when the current deal expires in 2031.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Silver: My Comments About Basketball Highlights Were ‘Misconstrued’

The NBA commissioner spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned in summit.
Apr 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) dribbles on New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the second half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.

Adam Silver: NBA’s Problems With Gambling ‘Have Been Predictable’

Silver originally advocated for legalized sports betting in a 2014 op-ed.
Maria Taylor

Maria Taylor Talks About ‘Moving Differently’ in ESPN-NBC Jump

Taylor will be NBC Sports’ lead NBA and WNBA studio host.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

Commanders’ $3.8B D.C. Stadium Nears Key Council Vote

The Commanders’ proposed $3.8 billion stadium deal is poised for final approval.
Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Denver Broncos helmet against the New Orleans Saints during warmups at Caesars Superdome.
September 9, 2025

Broncos Eye 2031 Opening for New Multibillion-Dollar Stadium

The NFL team plans a new venue and mixed-use development.
January 5, 2025; Maui, Hawaii, USA; Hideki Matsuyama hits his fairway shot on the 13th hole during the final round of The Sentry golf tournament at Plantation Course at Kapalua.
September 15, 2025

PGA Tour’s January Season Opener Won’t Be Played At Kapalua

The Sentry’s longtime home is no longer able to host the tournament.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Aug 22, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Chicago Stars FC forward Jameese Joseph (8) passes the ball during the first half of a match against the North Carolina Courage at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 4, 2025

Chicago Stars FC Move to Evanston After 12 Years in Bridgeview

Stadium plans beyond the 2026 season aren’t solidified. 
August 28, 2025

As CFB Programs Add Corporate Field Logos, Are Jersey Patches Next?

Texas is adding a sponsor’s logo to its football field this season.
Dec 10, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; A general view of the Delta Center before the game between the Utah Hockey Club and the Minnesota Wild.
August 19, 2025

Utah’s Sports Boom Expands Into Music, Emulating Atlanta

The Jazz and Mammoth owner strikes a major deal with Live Nation.
August 18, 2025

Browns $2.4B Stadium Plan Runs Into Airspace Turbulence

The team’s proposed stadium is deemed a threat to nearby airport operations.