The state of New Jersey is making a serious push to convince the Philadelphia 76ers to move to New Jersey and into a new arena that would be built in Camden, four people familiar with the discussions confirmed to ROI-NJ.
Discussions between top state officials and leaders from Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (which owns the team) have been ongoing for the last two months, the sources said.
The sources indicated that talks have picked up recently, in part because HBSE’s efforts to build a new arena in Center City Philadelphia have hit repeated roadblocks, despite the fact that the owners have indicated they would self-finance the $1.3 billion proposed project.
The Sixers, whose current lease at the Wells Fargo Center ends after the 2030-31 season, have been looking for a new home for the better part of the past five years. And, while the opportunity to move to New Jersey may be seen by some as a negotiating ploy, it makes sense on a number of levels, the sources said, including:
- The Sixers’ team offices and practice facility already are in Camden, at a 66,230-square-foot facility that opened to much fanfare in 2016;
- HBSE owns the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center in Newark — and its two principal owners, Josh Harris and David Blitzer, have ties to the state;
- Gov. Phil Murphy has a longstanding relationship with Harris and Blitzer — he is in regular dialogue with both on various issues;
- The state has available land in the Camden area, including along the waterfront, potentially a landing spot for an ultramodern facility that has great views of the Philadelphia skyline;
- The transit connectivity between Philadelphia and Camden would make it easy for Philly fans to still attend games;
- And, while HBSE’s owners have indicated a willingness to pay for the entirety of the project, coming to New Jersey would make them eligible for a tax credit of up to $400 million through the state’s Aspire program.
The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
Officials in the Governor’s Office and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
That being said, there has been plenty of talk about the Sixers’ future home for years.
An effort to build an arena at Penn’s Landing came up short in 2020, when the right to develop a parcel was given New York-based Durst Organization — which has yet to move forward with its proposal to make a $2.2 billion investment in residential, retail and hotel developments.
In July 2022, HBSE announced plans to self-finance 76 Place, a $1.3 billion facility in Philadelphia’s Center City. That proposed arena, set in the city’s fashion district, has met fierce resistance since its earliest days — with many arguing it will bring traffic and congestion but not the predicted tax revenue.
Early estimates indicate the proposed arena could be in operation for as many as 150 nights a year, including 41 regular-season NBA games.
One of HBSE’s biggest aims in the process has been to get control of an arena for scheduling and revenue benefits (Comcast Spectacor owns the Wells Fargo Center). Which state the arena is in may not make a difference.
Sixers officials have acknowledged the difficulties of finding a location for a new arena, but they always have maintained a desire to stay in Philadelphia. They did so again when reached for comment.
“We remain focused on bringing a state-of-the-art arena to Philadelphia, as we have been for the last four years,” a spokesperson said.
The clock appears to be ticking on 76 Place. In order to be ready for 2031-32 season, construction likely would need to begin in 2025. That means approvals from the city need to come this year.
Sixers officials remain positive.
“We are hopeful to reach an agreement with the city this summer to ensure legislation is introduced in early September, which will allow the 76ers to open our new home in time for the 2031-32 season,” the spokesperson said.
The time crunch in New Jersey and Camden may not be as difficult, considering the city and state appear to be big supporters of the effort.
A spokesperson for the city of Camden said the city is “proud” of its relationship with the team.
“The 76ers are fully engaged in Camden’s unprecedented revitalization and have been incredible community partners since moving here,” the person said in a statement. “The city is always open to new opportunities and the potential for new projects, and, of course, any development would need to be a collaborative effort with the community.
“We are grateful to Gov. Murphy and the EDA for advancing economic growth throughout the state while focusing on Camden as a prime location for these efforts.”
Murphy certainly would be supportive.
A huge sports fan, Murphy is said to be keenly aware that it has been more than a decade since the NBA played games in the state (the Nets moved to Brooklyn in 2012). Getting the Sixers to come to South Jersey on the heels of bringing the FIFA 2026 World Cup final to North Jersey would be quite the sports legacy.
But, is it realistic?
One source put it this way: “Maybe it’s a long shot, but sometimes long shots pay off in a big way.”
