Sixers Reportedly Scrap Center City Arena

The Philadelphia 76ers, who last month received approval from Philadelphia City Council to build a new stadium in the Fashion District, have reportedly dropped plans for the arena, according to officials quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer and NBC10.

Sources familiar with the negotiations told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Harris-Blitzer Sports Entertainment, which owns the 76ers, reached an agreement with Comcast Spectator, which owns the Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center, to demolish the Wells Fargo Center in favor of a new arena in the sports complex in South Philly.

Backed by Mayor Cherelle Parker and approved by City Council on December 19, 2024, the 76ers fought hard for an arena of their own, and settled on the Fashion District adjacent to Chinatown for the site. The Philadelphia Flyers are the primary tenants for the Wells Fargo Center.

The plan was staunchly opposed by residents of Chinatown, citing increased traffic and other economic impacts to the area, among other reasons. The plan approved by City Council in December required a $60 million economic impact payment by Harris-Blitzer to the Chinatown community.

““The commissioner of the NBA was involved in it, and the commitment to Market Street redevelopment is still there,” according to Ryan Boyer, head of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, who commented to the Philadelphia Inquirer. “We think that overall it will be good for the city. It’s just a pivot.”

The news was a win for members of City Council who opposed the project.

“Anybody following this issue closely could clearly see this was a power struggle between billionaires and corporations,” Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O’Rourke, who opposed the project for over a year, said in a statement. “Their plans can change on a whim, and these latest developments are a clear example of why the Mayor and Council should never waste precious time and resources prioritizing billionaire projects over the work Philadelphians elect us to do.”

Other councilmembers were less than thrilled.

“It is clear that we should have never trusted the process in the first place,” said Jamie Gauthier, who represents much of West Philadelphia. “This development proves that the project was half baked.”

“I’m so livid right now I don’t even know what to do,” said Jimmy Harrity, an at-large member of City Council who supported the team’s move to East Market Street. “I feel as though I was used as a pawn.”

The City of Philadelphia, the 76ers, and Comcast Spectacor were all contacted for comment, but no response was received by press time. This story will be updated should comment be received.