The Sixers are looking to partner with a WNBA team in their new arena.
During a presentation on Wednesday night, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s agreement with the Sixers for their proposed arena in Center City included the following points:
- Sixers are optimistic about the WNBA expanding in the coming years.
- Sixers plan to make a bid for a WNBA team in Philadelphia.
- With the new Sixers arena, Philadelphia is in a good position to attract a WNBA team.
“I believe that with this new Sixers arena, Philadelphia will have a better chance of pursuing a WNBA franchise for our city,” Mayor Parker said during the meeting. “I am hopeful, I can dream, I can pray.”
The Sixers are set to start playing at 76 Place in 2031.
“We are aligned with Mayor Parker’s vision of bringing a WNBA team to Philadelphia and have been in discussions with the league regarding this process,” a Sixers spokesperson informed NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Our goal is for our new arena to be the home for both the 76ers and a WNBA team.”
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert mentioned in April that Philadelphia is one of the cities being considered for expansion by the league. The WNBA plans to have 15 teams by 2026, with new teams like the Golden State Valkyries (2025) and franchises in Portland and Toronto (2026) being added.
