The Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers Plan to Build New Arena in South Philadelphia

The Philadelphia 76ers, owned by Josh Harris, and the NHL’s Flyers, owned by Comcast Spectacor, have announced a joint venture to build a new arena in South Philadelphia. This decision comes after the 76ers’ two-and-a-half-year push for a new arena in Center City was reversed. The new arena is set to open by 2031 in the South Philly Stadium Complex, where both teams currently play at the Wells Fargo Center.

In addition to the arena, the ownership groups will also collaborate to bring a WNBA team to the city. NBA commissioner Adam Silver and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman have both expressed their support for the new arena deal, with Silver calling it “great news for the City of Philadelphia.”

Comcast Spectacor used to own both the 76ers and the Flyers before selling the 76ers to Josh Harris in 2011. The trend in sports is now to build stadium districts around arenas, which was the initial plan for the 76ers in Center City. However, due to significant opposition from community groups in Chinatown and Washington Square West, the team has decided to stay in South Philadelphia.

Despite facing challenges in the planning process, including concerns about traffic and costs, the 76ers have committed to remaining in their current location. The team has also contributed $60 million to a Community Benefits Agreement over 30 years as part of the decision to build the new arena in South Philadelphia.

Josh Harris, who also owns the NFL’s Washington Commanders and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, is looking to build a new stadium in D.C for his football team. The new arena in South Philadelphia marks a significant development for both the 76ers and the Flyers as they continue to call the City of Brotherly Love their home.