NJ Still Pushing 76ers Move To Camden, Despite Philly Deal

CAMDEN, NJ — Despite the 76ers reaching a deal to stay in Philadelphia, officials hoping to bring the team to Camden say they're down but not out.

The Sixers and Philadelphia officials reached an agreement that puts the proposed construction of an arena in the city's downtown back of track, Mayor Cherelle Parker announced Wednesday. But Garden State officials haven't given up on persuading team ownership to develop a home base across the Delaware, says Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

"We have put forward a thoughtful and aggressive proposal that makes clear that Governor (Phil) Murphy and leaders across the state would welcome the 76ers to Camden with open arms," Sullivan told Patch through a spokesperson, "and nothing announced today changes our view that the Sixers should seriously consider New Jersey for their next home. We play until the final buzzer sounds, and we look forward to continuing to make the case for Camden and the Garden State."

The NJEDA — a government entity that builds business partnerships — led the state's push to bring the Sixers arena to Camden, offering ownership hundreds of millions in tax breaks and financial incentives. Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment — the Sixers ownership group — was "seriously" considering the move, a team spokesperson told Patch earlier this month.

State officials unveiled a rendering Sept. 12 of the proposed arena along the Camden waterfront, near the Ben Franklin Bridge.

The Sixers want their own arena after the lease at Wells Fargo Center expires in 2031. The team currently shares the facility with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The franchise moved their corporate headquarters and practice facility to Camden in 2016.

Wednesday marked the first time that Parker took a firm stance on the 76ers' plan to build an arena in Center City, which has faced widespread backlash from Philadelphia residents. Convincing the mayor was a necessary hurdle for the Sixers, which will need City Council's approval to move forward with the development.

Full details on the agreement will be released during a formal presentation, Parker said Wednesday.

The development — known as 76 Place — has faced protests from Philadelphia residents who say a downtown arena will create transportation nightmares and upend Chinatown, which is one block away.

And much like New Jersey officials, Philadelphia activists haven't surrendered.

"Mayor Parker still hasn’t met with Chinatown after all this time, yet feels she can have a stance on whether our community should live or die," said Debbie Wei, of the Save Chinatown Coalition. "This was never about one person, and this fight is far from over. We are going to fight this, and we are going to the mat. It’s on."