There’s a growing possibility that an NBA team will not only be moving its arena out of its city limits, but out of the entire state as well.
For years the Philadelphia 76ers have been trying to reach an agreement with the city of Philadelphia on a new arena once their lease at the Wells Fargo Center expires in 2031. But the City of Brotherly Love has balked at the team’s request while a city across the river and over the Pennsylvania border is ready to welcome them with open arms – and an open arena to their specifications.
According to ROI-NJ.com, the city of Camden, New Jersey has sent the 76ers a written proposal outlining “a transformative arena project” in the city that the team would be allowed to own and operate if they move there.
Speaking to the outlet, a team spokesperson said that it is taking the proposal seriously as they are running up against a time crunch.
“We have worked tirelessly for the past five years to build an arena in Philadelphia, and negotiations remain ongoing with city leadership regarding our proposal at Market East,” the spokesperson said. “The reality is, we are running out of time to reach an agreement that will allow the 76ers to open our new home in time for the 2031-32 NBA season.
“As a result, we must take all potential options seriously, including this one.”
The 76ers’ owners already have strong ties to the state of New Jersey. Several top executives either own other sports teams in the state or have successful business relationships with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
Camden is only seven miles away a 13-minute drive from the Wells Fargo Center, according to Google Maps. So a move there wouldn’t exactly break the back of fans going to see the games live.
The real issue would be pride.
The 76ers have called the city of Philadelphia home since moving there from Syracuse in 1963. They would most likely retain their name under the move, but it probably wouldn’t feel the same to many fans.
Related: The Spun’s Most Annoying People In Football Media: Final Four