• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 19, 2025

Sixers’ $1.5B Arena Plan Gains Key Support, but Faces Fierce Opposition

  • Local opposition is still fierce toward a proposed $1.55 billion downtown venue.
  • An option remains for the NBA team to stay in the south Philadelphia sports complex.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The 76ers’ push to build a downtown arena has never been easy or straightforward, and even with a new dose of support from Philadelphia mayor Cherelle Parker, an uphill path still awaits the NBA team. 

Parker announced Wednesday a new agreement between her administration and the 76ers to develop a $1.55 billion arena in Philadelphia’s Center City, codifying to some degree more than two years of planning by the team to construct their own facility. The agreement also appears to end, at least for now, a rival effort by New Jersey to bring the team across the river to neighboring Camden, though officials there are vowing to still make their case to the 76ers.

“This is a historic agreement,” Parker said in a video address. “It is the best financial deal ever entered into by a Philadelphia mayor for a local sports arena. I wholeheartedly believe it is the right deal for the people of Philadelphia.”

The 76ers, not surprisingly, cheered the mayor’s moves.

“We are grateful to Mayor Parker and her team for their time and diligence in evaluating our proposal and look forward to advancing to the next steps with the city council,” the team said in a statement.

Just the Start

The proposed development, however, indeed must still move through the Philadelphia City Council, and approval there is far from assured. Opposition to the downtown arena proposal remains fierce in the local Asian American community, which protested the mayoral agreement in front of City Hall on Wednesday. 

That sentiment could very well influence what happens when the council takes up the issue, something expected to happen this fall. Most of the 17-member council has yet to take a public position on the arena. Philadelphia’s Chinatown is about a block from the proposed arena location, and concerns there have run the gamut from traffic to potential gentrification and the forcing out of incumbent ethnic communities. 

“Mayor Parker still hasn’t met with Chinatown after all this time, yet feels she can have a stance on whether our community should live or die,” said Debbie Wei, a longtime Chinatown activist. “This was never about one person, and this fight is far from over. We are going to fight this, and we are going to the mat. It’s on.”

Eagles legend Jason Kelce, meanwhile, went on WIP-FM on Thursday and similarly criticized the proposal and 76ers ownership, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. 

“I prefer [the team] stays in south Philly, unquestionably,” Kelce said. “They’re strong-arming the city. What do you do? Do you risk losing the Sixers? It just sucks.”

No Change in South Philadelphia

Comcast Spectacor, owner and operator of Wells Fargo Center where the 76ers currently play, is maintaining its stance regarding the team. An offer has long stood for the team to stay in the existing south Philadelphia sports complex after the current lease expires in 2031. Executives for Comcast Spectacor, which also owns the NHL’s Flyers, have also proposed an equal partnership with the 76ers on a new arena in the existing sports complex that would house both the basketball and hockey teams.

As that offer has remained, both Comcast Spectacor and HBSE have also sought to fortify their respective arena development efforts in recent months. HBSE has shown no interest in staying at Wells Fargo Center, but Comcast Spectator is still making overtures.

“Regardless of the outcome of the city’s negotiations with HBSE, our door will always be open for the 76ers to join us in south Philadelphia if they ever conclude that is what is best for their team,” said Dan Hilferty, Comcast Spectacor chair and CEO. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Golf’s Prize Money Boom Is Slowing Down

There is no purse increase at The Open Championship.

WNBA Stars Say Zero Progress Made at CBA Meeting

The WNBA and its union had their first in-person meeting Thursday.

New NFLPA Head Will Face Multibillion-Dollar Decisions

The next NFLPA leader will wrestle with a series of pressing issues.

Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team Loses Another Legal Battle

23XI Racing has lost its Cup Series charter status for the time being.

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.