A new hall… and a WNBA franchise for Philadelphia in 2031?

After the revelation that the controversial project to build a new hall in the city center for 2031 to the tune of $1.3 billion had been abandoned, despite the green light from the city, several municipal councilors expressed their astonishment after 'be beaten for two years behind this project.

As mentioned the day before, it is ultimately in the current Wells Fargo Center district, in the south of the city, that a new enclosure should see the light of day. It is also planned for 2031, this time with the support of “Comcast Spectacor” as main partner to ensure the financing of several projects.

To try to convince Cherelle Parker, the city's mayor, who confirmed that she was particularly surprised by this change of heart, the project also promises to invest in the Market East district, which the old hall was supposed to help. to revitalize…

“It’s a win-win project for Philadelphia”launched the councilor. “Philly, this is a huge project. We are at a crossroads that none of us saw coming, but despite everything, we are here (…). We are all gathered here today together and united, and this is an important thing for me to say, to announce that a long-desired and exciting project is going to take shape in our great city of Philadelphia. An unprecedented project that has the potential to benefit the city for generations to come.”

A bonus WNBA team?

Adam Silver intervened remotely while the Sixers franchise was represented by co-owners David Adelman and Josh Harris. It is the latter who is at the origin of the financial arrangement between the group of owners of the Sixers and the company Comcast who will form a “joint venture” (“joint venture”) in equal parts in order to carry out this project successfully. long course. There are still points to be clarified, such as the exact location of the next room, and what will happen to the Wells Fargo Center.

We know, however, that the project will also invest in the WNBA's call for applications in order to give itself the chance of welcoming a women's team to accompany the Sixers and the Flyers (NHL) in this new venue supposed to reach the 18,500 places.

Plans to revitalize the stadium district in the south of the city but also in its center will also be put in place, and this is where all parties believe they have found a general compromise.

“While plans have changed, the one thing that hasn't changed is our commitment to doing something good for the Sixers, our fans and, most importantly, our city “, said David Adelmana partner in the 76ers ownership group, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.