Nov 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view of the Wells Fargo Center exterior. The arena is the home of the Philadelphia 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Kirby Lee
Dan Hilferty, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor, issued a statement in response to the news that Mayor Cherelle Parker is endorsing the Sixers' new arena proposal in Market East.
"Regardless of the outcome of the City's negotiations with HBSE, our door will always be open for the 76ers to join us in South Philadelphia if they ever conclude that is what is best for their team," Hilferty told On Pattison's Anthony SanFilippo.
"Alongside the Phillies, we are creating the dynamic and accessible destination for sports and entertainment that will create thousands of jobs, amplify our city and create numerous community benefits. Either way, we always want what is best for Philadelphia."
Parker revealed her support for the team's proposal at around 2:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday afternoon.
"I wholeheartedly believe this is the right deal for the People of Philadelphia," Parker said in a post on X:
As your Mayor, I'm speaking from my City Hall office with a very important announcement. I am proud to share that I have made my decision, and an agreement has been reached to ensure that our Sixers are staying home.
I wholeheartedly believe this is the right deal for the People… pic.twitter.com/Fnj19mrBOV
"We are grateful to Mayor Parker and her team for their time and diligence in evaluating our proposal and look forward to advancing to the next steps with City Council," a Sixers spokesperson told On Pattison.
The Sixers had a strong offer from Camden, New Jersey, a source familiar with the matter said in recent days. While they preferred to stay in Philadelphia, the Sixers did not intend to remain in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.
"The return on investment for the city of Philadelphia in the future, that is what is first and foremost in my mind," the mayor said at last Wednesday's Town Hall.
That investment — which the mayor claims is represented by more than $1.3 billion in private funding — is projected to generate more than 700 full-time jobs, according to a study presented at the Town Hall meeting.
The Sixers have Mayor Parker on their side. It's one step closer to keeping them in Philadelphia for the long haul.
