New Jersey is trying to entice the Philadelphia 76ers to leave their home state with a substantial offer of up to $400 million in tax credits to relocate to Camden. Governor Phil Murphy's administration proposed a plan, detailed in a letter, for a massive mixed-use waterfront development, using the Sixers as its anchor tenant. This offer comes as the team has been negotiating a future $1.3 billion arena in Philadelphia's Chinatown; it wants a new home post-2031 when its Wells Fargo Arena lease expires.
Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan made the pitch amid ongoing negotiations between the Sixers and Philadelphia's leaders. The Sixers, who already have a training center and headquarters in Camden, described New Jersey's proposal as "thoughtful and compelling." Team spokeswoman Molly Mita McEndy 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."
Philadelphia officials have not commented on New Jersey's proposal, but Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on Tuesday said the team's desire is to stay in Philadelphia, adding, "I love the Sixers. They belong in Philadelphia." Concerns from Philadelphia's Chinatown residents include potential loss of street parking, increased traffic, and impacts on local festivals if the arena is built in their neighborhood. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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