According to recent reports, New Jersey officials, led by Governor Phil Murphy, are in serious conversation with the team to build their proposed new arena, “76 Place,” in the Garden State rather than Philadelphia. This development comes as the Sixers face mounting opposition to their current plans to construct an arena in Center City Philadelphia.
The discussions between New Jersey’s top officials and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), the ownership group behind the Sixers, have been ongoing for the past two months and have “picked up recently,” particularly due to the repeated roadblocks encountered in Philadelphia.
As one source familiar with the talks noted, “Maybe it’s a long shot, but sometimes long shots pay off in a big way.” The Garden State’s proposal isn’t merely a negotiating tactic; it presents several practical advantages. The Sixers’ team offices and practice facility are already located in Camden, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2016.
Moreover, the site being considered along the Camden waterfront offers stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline, a potential draw for fans.
Governor Murphy, who has a “longstanding relationship” with Sixers’ owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, is actively engaged in the efforts. He has been vocal about New Jersey’s interest, stating,
“We’ve been observing the lack of progress in Philadelphia, and we said, you know what, we’re going to raise this with them. We’re serious about it.”
Murphy’s enthusiasm is buoyed by the availability of land in Camden and the potential economic incentives, including a tax credit of up to $400 million through New Jersey’s Aspire program, which could significantly reduce the financial burden on the Sixers.
The Sixers’ Reluctance to Leave Philadelphia
Despite New Jersey’s vigorous courtship, the Sixers have publicly maintained their commitment to staying in Philadelphia. The organization has been steadfast in its desire to build a new state-of-the-art arena in the city’s Center City, a project they have pursued for the last four years.
“We remain focused on bringing a state-of-the-art arena to Philadelphia, as we have been for the last four years,” a spokesperson for the Sixers reiterated. This sentiment was echoed by Sixers co-owner David Adelman in an interview with Crossing Broad, where he firmly stated, “Josh [Harris], David [Blitzer], and I have said from day one this is a Philadelphia team, and it is not moving to New Jersey.”
The Sixers’ commitment to Philadelphia, however, is not without challenges. Their proposed $1.3 billion arena project has met fierce resistance from community members concerned about potential gentrification, traffic congestion, and insufficient economic benefits.
The Sixers’ current lease at the Wells Fargo Center expires after the 2030-31 season, and with time running out, they are keen to secure the necessary approvals to start construction by 2025.
“We are hopeful to reach an agreement with the city this summer to ensure legislation is introduced in early September, which will allow the 76ers to open our new home in time for the 2031-32 NBA season,” a Sixers spokesperson noted.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides expressing optimism about their plans. As one New Jersey official put it,
“It may be a long shot, but we believe the opportunity to bring the 76ers to Camden could pay off in a big way.”
Whether the Sixers will cross the river remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle for the team’s future home is far from over.
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