Stevie Combs ’25
Addison Thomas ’27
The Philadelphia 76ers have made a major shift in their arena plans, abandoning their controversial proposal to build a $1.3 billion complex in the Market East part of Center City and signing a new contract with Comcast Spectator to construct a new stadium in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex for the 76ers and Flyers. This new decision also presents a unique opportunity: the potential for bringing a WNBA franchise to Philadelphia.
In July 2022, the Sixers announced their original plan to move the team to a new complex within Center City called “76 Place at Market East.” The original plan for constructing “76 Place” aimed primarily at generating revenue to rejuvenate the Market East region of the city.
However, this proposal also implied the demolition and displacement of sections of Chinatown, which ignited immediate controversy. Concerns about displacement, the erosion of cultural identity, and the potential for gentrification fueled protests and rallies. Aaron Zhu ’25, a leader in EA’s Asian American Student Union, explains these issues, saying, “I think it’s kind of like the people in charge of the city are selling out the culture of Philadelphia to make more money, essentially appealing to billionaires. There were large sit-in protests that were held, I think, last month. And I mean, maybe they moved it partially in consideration of the points that the protesters made, but they may have also just made it so that people would not protest anymore.”
Not only did the planned Market East arena threaten those in Chinatown, but it also received significant pushback from avid Philadelphia sports fans, many of whom believed moving the stadium would threaten the incredible sports culture and pose significant transportation problems. Langston Foster ’25, Captain of the Varsity Boys Basketball team, expressed his thoughts on location changes saying, “I wasn’t the biggest fan of them moving it, I think it’s a pretty good location already. So I think it’s the right decision to make to stay in South Philly, and then you have all the different arenas in the same place, and Xfinity center there as well.”
Photo courtesy of nba.com
Taylor Wright ’11, Upper School History Teacher and Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach, shares similar thoughts on the move saying, “I personally am happy that they are staying in South Philadelphia, I think that’s a cool spot to have all the stadiums, I don’t think that Market East/Chinatown location sounded like a place that would be easy to get to.”
Mathematics Department Chair CJ Yespelkis expressed similar enthusiasm for the new location: “I was very happy when I heard that news. I’m excited. I think that’s an awesome environment. It’s a very cool atmosphere when everybody’s really close together.”
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this new chapter is the inclusion of a potential WNBA franchise in Philadelphia, an addition that only seems right considering Philadelphia’s major sport culture. Foster comments on this possibility stating, “I think it’s a good thing. It’s kind of crazy that it’s not one already. It’s a major city.”
Sasha Williams, Episcopal Girls Basketball Head Coach, expressed her hope that this move would pave the way for a WNBA team in the Philadelphia area, commenting, “I’m glad they’re staying, I think that’s home for a lot of people who have been going to the 76ers. … I really want them to bring a WNBA team here, I think that was where my head was at when they were talking about moving.” Williams elaborated, saying, “I think that’s what a lot of people are screaming for, especially since women’s sports are on the rise right now.”
The possibility of a WNBA team has gained continued momentum from Philadelphia sports and women’s basketball fans. The addition of a WNBA team in a city as passionate about sports as Philadelphia could be momentous for women’s sports. Brynn Kehl ’25, captain of the EA Varsity Girls Basketball team, shared she was unaware of the plan to start a potential WNBA franchise, but noted, “I think it could be a good thing. I think it could bring more attention to women’s basketball.”
Gage Cunningham ’27, a member of the EA Varsity Boys Basketball team, echoed this sentiment: “I think it would be great for the city of Philly because there’s so much talent… and then, like, it’ll be good just for networking to have and represent women’s basketball as it’s getting more and more popular.”
However, challenges remain, specifically surrounding space and the management of the upcoming construction. Upper School Math Teacher Jay Jennings expresses some concerns saying, “I think it’s ultimately a good move, the problem is what do you do with the two years of planning this, and they don’t know what to do with that area down town. … Good move for the city but what are they now going to do with that space?”
Cunningham adds his thoughts on building a new WNBA team in Philly, commenting, “I think the only real challenges would be…managing space in Philly, Building a successful franchise will require a strong marketing campaign, a dedicated fan base, and a commitment to showcasing the talent of local female athletes.” Kehl shared similar concerns: “I think it might be hard to get it approved and people on board and, like, find players from other teams in the league. So obviously it’d be hard, but I think it would be worth it and help expand the women’s game.”
The 76ers plan to finish the construction for their South Philly arena in 2031, possibly providing ample time to plan, staff, and organize the potential WNBA team.
Jennings expressed his belief that the collaboration between the Sixers and Comcast holds a promising synergy, particularly in light of the Sixers’ partnership with the new Philadelphia WNBA team: “I think that it’s good that [the Philadelphia 76ers and Comcast] agreed finally to work together, which would allow them to then have other events like the WNBA…they’re basically agreeing to play together, and they were being sort of childish and saying, ‘we’re not going to work together’.”
This new chapter for the 76ers presents both challenges and opportunities. While the controversy surrounding the Chinatown plan highlights the importance of community engagement and addressing concerns, the South Philly location offers the potential for a vibrant sports complex and a new era for women’s basketball in Philadelphia and reflects the city’s commitment to preserving its sports culture. The growing interest in women’s sports is also a positive sign for the future. Ultimately, the 76ers’ choice to remain in their historical home resonates with many fans, reinforcing their deep-rooted connection to the city.