Tom Bracken is the CEO and president of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Trenton. – File photo
You’ve likely heard the recent buzz: New Jersey made a bold play to lure the Philadelphia 76ers across the Delaware River, offering an attractive deal for a new arena in Camden.
This move clearly caught the attention of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, who quickly announced her own city’s agreement with the team for a proposed new arena in Center City near Chinatown.
However, the Philly “deal” still requires city council approval, and it already faces opposition from residents concerned about congestion.
New Jersey’s offer, on the other hand, comes with generous tax incentives, a nearly shovel-ready site and the support of Gov. Phil Murphy and legislative leaders. You could say New Jersey’s offer is more attractive, more workable and more realistic.
Of course, we understand that it’s not easy to pull a team from a city steeped in tradition. But don’t count New Jersey out. The Murphy administration is the same one that helped get the FIFA World Cup 2026 final to New Jersey — against all odds. We’re the same state that many years ago pulled the Jets and Giants from New York. It must be noted that the 76ers already have their practice facility and executive offices in Camden, and owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who also own the New Jersey Devils and their home arena, the Prudential Center, are no strangers to working with the state.
No matter how this plays out, we are impressed with how Murphy, New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan and the entire New Jersey team acted quickly when they saw an economic opportunity that would benefit the state and residents by driving economic growth and creating jobs.
Even if the 76ers don’t bite, this ambitious offer puts Camden on the map for other high-profile companies looking for a home.
The message is clear: New Jersey is open for business.
A 76ers move to Camden would be another transformative project for an urban area in our state.
Just look at the $750 million HELIX innovation center in New Brunswick, set to open next year as the home of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Nokia Bell Labs and a residential tower. It will add new landmarks to the skyline, and foster innovation, research and startup activity. Or, consider the $336 million redevelopment of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center campus in Newark, which will bring new residences, restaurants and public spaces to Newark by 2027.
These are all great examples of business collaborating with government, and residents benefiting. These projects breathe new life into our cities and create jobs — exactly what New Jersey needs.
This brings us back to the 76ers.
The plan for Camden isn’t just about building a beautiful arena. It’s part of a larger, privately funded mixed-use development that includes residential, commercial and retail spaces, creating a vibrant waterfront community north of the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Last thought: I recently attended a late-summer event at MetLife Stadium, home of the Jets and Giants, and it just happened to be the day they were hiring workers for the upcoming football season. The line of interested applicants went around the stadium. It made me think that the creation of a Camden arena, hosting more than just basketball games, would have the same interest from job-seekers.
Kudos to Murphy and Sullivan for setting the stage. We hope the 76ers say yes. But, even if they don’t, it demonstrates New Jersey’s seriousness when it comes to economic growth — and our willingness to be innovative in attracting business to our state.
Tom Bracken is the CEO and president of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Trenton.
