• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Philadelphia to Study Proposed $1.3B Arena Before Moving Forward

  • The independent study will examine impacts on urban planning, parking, and traffic.
  • Philadelphia’s Asian and Black communities are divided on support for the proposed arena.
A general view of the Philadelphia 76ers playing at their current home arena, the Wells Fargo Center.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia’s government is conducting an independent study to evaluate the impact of the 76ers’ self-funded proposal to build a new $1.3 billion arena. 

Officials will examine the economic impact of the proposed arena — on Market Street between 10th and 11th streets — as well as study other potential effects on urban planning, parking, and traffic.

A recent survey found more than 90% of business owners, and residents in Philadelphia’s Chinatown opposed the Sixers’ attempt to build an arena near the neighborhood amid concerns over rising rents and the loss of its culture. 

Philadelphia’s African American Chamber of Commerce has voiced support for the proposed 76ers arena, citing the economic growth it could bring to the city. The 76ers also said it is committed to giving 40% of the arena’s concessions spaces to Black-owned businesses.

Washington, D.C.’s Chinatown saw a decline in Chinese population following the opening of Capital One Arena in 1997.

“Given the size and scope of this proposed project, it is too early in the process to know the specific impacts of the proposed downtown arena,” Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said.

Kenney didn’t specify who would be leading the independent study, leaving some local residents to voice further concerns during Wednesday’s meeting in Chinatown. 

Construction would begin in 2028, with a targeted opening date in 2031. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

WNBA’s Fire Prematurely Announce Head Coach Hire on LinkedIn

Portland is expected to hire Alex Sarama from the Cavaliers, FOS confirmed.
Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Texas Longhorns at Amalie Arena.

Dawn Staley Says NBA Far From Ready to Hire a Female Head..

South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach interviewed with the Knicks.
Mat Ishbia

Mat Ishbia Countersues Suns Minority Owners in Transparency Fight

He claims two minority partners are manufacturing a “contrived legal drama.”

Cavaliers Go All In, Lead NBA With Record $392M Payroll

The Cavs are the only second-apron violator in the NBA.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.

Bears Hit Another Speed Bump for New $5B Stadium in Suburbs

A new state bill would impose several conditions on the NFL team.
Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of a Cleveland Browns helmet on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome.
October 7, 2025

Cleveland Takes New Shot at Blocking Browns’ $2.4B Stadium

A new lawsuit challenges a permit for the NFL team’s planned stadium.
October 13, 2025

Browns, Cleveland Reach $100M Deal to Clear Team’s Move to Suburbs

The surprise truce includes financial payments and the dismissal of lawsuits.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 7, 2025

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.
Sep 23, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars forward Adam Erne (76) looks on during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center
exclusive
October 3, 2025

Dallas Stars Eyeing Possible Move to Plano in 2031

The team needs to figure out where they’ll play starting in 2031.
Chicago Bears stadium rendering
October 1, 2025

Bears Want $855M in Public Money for Suburban Stadium

The NFL team details an updated ask for public money.
September 29, 2025

A’s Unveil Sacramento Jerseys As Vegas Development Advances

The club unveils an alternate “Sacramento” jersey as Las Vegas plans advance.