Philadelphia seeks WNBA team if 76ers' arena plan succeeds

In a recent public meeting held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Mayor Cherelle Parker highlighted Philadelphia's aspiration to host a WNBA franchise. This announcement came during discussions regarding the proposed arena for the Philadelphia 76ers. Parker noted the absence of a WNBA team in the city and expressed her commitment to changing that situation. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among city leaders to achieve this goal. The Philadelphia 76ers have also voiced their support for the initiative, confirming their intention to pursue a WNBA team contingent upon the successful construction of the new arena. A spokesperson for the team stated that they have been actively engaged with the league regarding this potential expansion. The franchise's interest aligns with the growing popularity of the WNBA, which is set to expand to 15 teams by 2026. Parker's previous experience as a city councilmember involved efforts to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia, showcasing her long-standing commitment to this cause. She believes that the new arena could significantly enhance the city's chances of securing a franchise, especially given the recent expansion of the league to other cities. The proposal for the Sixers' arena still faces several hurdles, but both Parker and the team remain optimistic. They view the new facility as a pivotal step in elevating Philadelphia's position in the pursuit of a WNBA team, reflecting the city's rich basketball heritage and the growing interest in women's sports.