Philadelphia Mayor Finalizes Deal with 76ers for New Arena Construction

In a significant move for the Philadelphia 76ers, Mayor Cherelle Parker announced on Wednesday the establishment of a deal aimed at keeping the NBA team in the city as they pursue a new $1.3 billion arena downtown.

This decision comes in the face of opposition from residents of nearby Chinatown and just a few weeks after the governor of New Jersey proposed $400 million in tax incentives for the team to relocate to Camden.

Mayor Parker, in a video shared on the social platform X, expressed her belief in the merits of the agreement: “This is an historic agreement. I wholeheartedly believe this is the right deal for the people of Philadelphia. To the people of Chinatown, please know that I hear you. We have the best Chinatown in the United States, and I am committed to working together to support it.”

The ownership group for the 76ers envisions their proposed site, referred to as 76 Place, as a catalyst for revitalizing a struggling retail area near City Hall while also taking advantage of the city’s public transit system. They have stated their intention not to renew the lease for their current arena, established in 1996, when it expires in 2031.

As it stands, the team currently shares the arena with the Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL, who are also owned by Comcast Spectacor. However, the 76ers’ owners are eager to construct a modern facility solely for the basketball franchise, which would also allow for hosting concerts and various events.

Josh Harris, a managing partner with the holding company Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, emphasized that the new arena would be privately funded and aims to foster connections within the local community by prioritizing equity, inclusivity, and accessibility.

Following Parker’s announcement, a spokesperson from the ownership group expressed gratitude for her support, saying they looked forward to engaging City Council as the initiative progresses.

However, advocates from Chinatown have vocally opposed the construction plan, expressing concerns about past developments that have negatively impacted their community. Activists have been fighting against various developments in Chinatown since the 1990s, and are just beginning to see progress in restoring their community following a significant disruption in 1991 when a highway severed the area.

Chinatown recently received a $159 million grant aimed at creating a park that would cover the six-lane highway, a step towards community reconnection. Despite this, activists are wary and feel their voices have been overlooked in the pursuit of this new arena project.

Debbie Wei, representative of the Save Chinatown Coalition, highlighted the struggle ahead, stating, “The mayor alone should not decide whether our community should live or die. This fight is far from over. We are going to fight this, and we are going to the mat. It’s on.”

In response to the ongoing discourse, Comcast Spectacor’s Chairman and CEO Daniel J. Hilferty reassured the community that they would remain open to discussions with the 76ers while working collaboratively with the Philadelphia Phillies to expand entertainment options and job opportunities within the South Philadelphia area.

Hilferty remarked, “Either way, we always want what is best for Philadelphia.”