Gov. Phil Murphy, in his first public comments about the state attempting to get the Philadelphia 76ers to relocate to Camden, said Tuesday that his administration is pursuing the effort with vigor.
“We’ll see where it lands, but it’s something that we’re taking very seriously,” he told ROI-NJ in Montreal — doing so after an event where he and others were encouraging Quebec companies to take a look at the business opportunities in New Jersey.
The comments came eight days after ROI-NJ first reported that the state was willing to make a site next to the Ben Franklin Bridge available to the NBA team at little or no cost — and that the property also would include space for a mixed-use project, both of which could be eligible for up to $400 million in tax credits.
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“I think we’ve made a very compelling case,” he said.
Murphy said the state’s long history of pursuing sports teams — it obviously got both the New York Giants and the New York Jets to relocate to New Jersey a generation ago — adds credibility to the pursuit.
“We’ve got a history of bringing big-time sports teams to New Jersey quite successfully, including sports teams that have the name of another city on their jersey,” he said.
“This is not new to us. Most states would be doing something like this for the first time. That’s not the case with us.”
Another thing that separates the New Jersey pursuit is the fact that the Sixers already have their corporate headquarters and practice facility in Camden. In addition, the team’s owners, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, also own the Prudential Center and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.
The day after the state made the offer, the Sixers said it was something they would take seriously.
Philadelphia Gov. Josh Shapiro indicated that he will push for the city and state to do what it takes to keep the Sixers in Pennsylvania.
Murphy would not discuss the state of any talks with the team, except to offer that he believes the team appears to be fully engaged.
“I don’t want to put words in the mouth of the Sixers and their owners, but they appear to be taking this very seriously, as well,” he said.
Murphy said bringing the Sixers across the river would be a big win for South Jersey.
“Camden is really important to us,” he said. “We think, if this were to land on our side of the Delaware, this would be a transformative project for Camden and its community.
“It’s not just an arena, it’s housing, it’s office space — it’s a whole bunch of stuff that we think would have a huge impact in Camden.”
Murphy also promised that he will make sure Camden benefits, too.
“We’re committed to this — but we’ve got to make sure it works for everybody, and most especially the community in Camden,” he said. “Based on what I’m seeing right now, if this were to fall our way, that’s exactly what would happen.”
