The Sixers and the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers presented a series of drawings on Tuesday with an image of their proposed new arena, slated to open in 2030 in South Philadelphia. The arena will be built on the site of the old Spectrum, which was home to Philadelphia’s NBA and NHL teams from 1967-96 and was demolished in 2011.
How ESPN’s Shams Charania and Emily Kaplan write, the organizations call the arena plan the largest project in the history of the city, which is financed entirely with private funds. The Sixers ownership group led by Josh Harriswill be 50/50 partners in the venture with Comcast Spectacor, which owns the Flyers.
“Philly fans deserve the best arena in the world, and we’re excited to partner with Comcast to provide just that.” Harris said in a statement. “This private arena will be home to the moments and memories that define this city for generations.”
The goal is to open the arena in time for the 2030 WNBA season, and Philadelphia’s expansion team is slated to begin play this year. The 76ers and Flyers will then move into the building for the 2030/31 season.
We have more on the Sixers:
- Examining how the 76ers’ biggest offseason moves came together, Tony Jones of The Athletic notes that Philadelphia viewed itself as a long shot for the Celtics star. Jaylen Brown but ended up making a deal with Boston thanks in large part to Mike GanseyA philosophy of resilience and persistence. “There were some deals that we did for two years just because we kept calling,” the Sixers president of basketball operations told Jones. “We kept checking and eventually we came up with this person. It didn’t always work out, but we always wanted to make sure we got the job done. … The process of talking to Boston about Jaylen took a couple of weeks. … We kept banging the drum and expressing interest.”
- In the same story, Jones examines Philadelphia’s decision to use the mid-level exception Dean Wade and Anfernie Simonsas well as team recruitment c LeBron James. As Jones details, the 76ers knew Simons’ market was “squeezed” after a down year statistically, and their offer to the veteran guard included selling him a role that would help him regain his value. Simons’ new deal includes a second-year player option, so if his stock rises in 2026/27, he will have the option to opt out next summer and take advantage.
- In his last mail bag, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com looks at whether the 2026/27 season is a turning point for the head coach Nick Nursewho has a sub-.500 regular season record (116-130) and one playoff win in three seasons with the organization.