• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 19, 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

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) takes to the court on Jan. 22, 2025, ahead a game against the Purdue Boilermakers.

Unrivaled Makes NIL Splash During WNBA All-Star Weekend

The 3-on-3 women’s basketball league signed 14 college players to NIL deals.
Jul 13, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announces the pick for the Athletics pick during the MLB Draft at The Coca-Cola Roxy.

Manfred Says MLB Had Wrong Approach to Creators Like Jomboy

“You gotta go where people are going,” the commissioner said.
(NCL_OSU_11_SUGAR_LAURON 04JAN11) Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) slips around the Arkansas Razorbacks defense during first half of the Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, January 4, 2011.

Terrelle Pryor’s Case for NIL Backpay Dismissed in Court

Pryor played seven years in the NFL after leaving OSU amid a scandal.

Featured Today

Ryan Field Construction
exclusive

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
July 17, 2025

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Josh Donaldson

Josh Donaldson Seeks Another $70K in Landlord Dispute

Donaldson rented the house while playing for the Yankees in 2022.
Oct 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of the Wells Fargo Center before game between Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens.
July 10, 2025

New Philly Arena Will Redefine Home-Court Advantage, CEO Says

The forthcoming venue will arrive with plenty of ambition among its owners.
The 153rd Open
July 16, 2025

Trump Talks Continue, but Turnberry’s Open Return Is Uncertain

Trump Turnberry is still under consideration for future Open Championships.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
April 19, 2022; Austin, TX, USA; Tim Leiweke of the Oak View Group speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Moody Center, a multi-purpose arena that will be home to concerts and the UT basketball teams on Tuesday April 19, 2022.
July 9, 2025

Oak View Founder Tim Leiweke Indicted for Alleged Rigged Arena Bid

The longtime sports executive leaves his day-to-day leadership role.
July 9, 2025

Browns $600M Stadium Deal Hit With Suit Over ‘Unclaimed’ Money

Ohio’s use of unclaimed funds for a new stadium is challenged legally.
July 8, 2025

Chiefs Delay Stadium Decision As Kansas Dangles Dome Dreams

Kansas legislators extend bonds for potential Chiefs and Royals facilities.
Jul 3, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Jannik Sinner (ITA) returns a shot during his match against Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) on day seven at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
July 7, 2025

Wimbledon’s Expansion Battle Looms Over Star-Studded Quarterfinals

The expansion’s loudest opposition is Save Wimbledon Park.