New Sixers arena plan for South Philly includes revitalized Market East, WNBA team bid

A sudden change of plans will keep the Sixers in South Philadelphia as city officials gathered Monday to praise the team's unexpected decision to abandon their Center City arena proposal to become part of a new partnership.

The 76ers decided to pull out of the controversial $1.3 billion plan to build "76 Place" in Market East as Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Comcast Spectacor announced a 50-50 joint venture to build a "new home for the Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers" in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.

The "state-of-the-art" arena is slated to open in 2031 as the newest addition to Comcast Spectacor's development project after teaming up with the Phillies this past March.

In addition to the new facility, the partnership has pledged a 50-50 venture to invest in the revitalization of Market East in Center City, as well as the push for a WNBA team for Philadelphia.

"By committing to both investments, the partnership will create thousands of jobs, generate billions of dollars in economic activity for the city, region and state, and enhance commitments to create economic opportunity in neighborhoods across Philadelphia. In addition, Comcast is planning to take a minority stake in the 76ers and will join with HBSE to bid to bring a WNBA team to the city," they stated in a release.

Mayor Cherelle Parker called the news a "win, win, win for Philadelphia" during a press conference with Comcast officials to discuss the shocking reversal, which was approved by the City Council just last month.

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Sixers arena: City Council approves Sixers' Center City arena plan

Philadelphia City Council approved 11 bills that approved a plan for a new Sixers arena in Center City. Construction of the 18,500-seat arena won't begin until 2028, and won't be completed until 2031.

Parker has remained a supporter of the Sixers Arena proposal despite years of heated debate from other city leaders and residents, who voiced their excitement following the news. 

"This new agreement between the 76ers and Comcast is a significant win for the 76ers, Comcast, our members and the entire City of Philadelphia," IBEW LOCAL 98 said.

Gov. Josh Shapiro says he has worked with Parker, Comcast and the Sixers over the past year to help keep the team in Philadelphia, "encouraging the leaders of Comcast and the Sixers to put their differences aside and work together for the betterment of Philadelphia."

Several council members touted the "historic win," including Jamie Gaultier, who told Good Day Philadelphia that the Sixers "owe an apology" to the City of Philadelphia.

The No Arena Coalition is also holding a press conference on Monday after releasing the following statement:

"We’re relieved to hear that the nightmare of a Center City Sixers arena will not haunt our city anymore. To every Philadelphian who called, marched, testified, and warned City Hall that this was a raw deal: This win belongs to you, and the lesson for politicians is to trust the people. To the five Councilmembers who stood on the right side of this fight: We will not forget. Over the past two years, Philly built a movement not only to save Chinatown, but to defend our entire city from predatory billionaires who saw us for a profit playground, and tens of thousands of Philadelphians showed up. When some said it was a done deal, this movement stayed true, committed to a different kind of city. We were clear from day one that it was dangerous to play in the viper pit with billionaires, but City Hall toyed with the snakes, and they got bit."

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