Written by 
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — After years of contentious debate, and just weeks after legislation was passed allowing it to move forward, the Philadelphia 76ers are scrapping their plan for an arena in Center City, sources tell Action News.
Those sources say the Sixers and Comcast Spectator will announce an agreement to instead build a new arena in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.
The plan for an arena in Market East near Chinatown is “off the table,” sources said.
However, sources say the Sixers and Comcast partnership will still make real estate developments and investments in Market East of Center City Philadelphia.
Mark Squilla represents that district and tells Action News “I am pleased that 76 Development Corpration and Comcast committed to being part of our City’s reimagination of East Market. We will continue to work with Chinatown, Wash West and other stakeholders as the process plays out.”
The Philadelphia Building Trades is optimistic about the construction jobs saying in part. “The Philadelphia Building Trades is still committed to developing Market East. We are excited to be a part of the renaissance and revitalization of that area. We look forward to working with a company like Comcast that has such financial strength to bring life and new enterprises to Center City while simultaneously building a world class arena in South Philadelphia. There are significant opportunities.”
The No Arena coalition is relieved with the the new developments. “We’re relieved to hear that the nightmare of a Center City Sixers arena will not haunt our city any more. To every Philadelphian who called, marched, testified, and warned City Hall that this was a raw deal: This win belongs to you, and the lesson for politicians is to trust the people. To the five Councilmembers who stood on the right side of this fight: We will not forget,” stated the No Arena coalition.
Members of the Working Families Party in City Council celebrated the new plan.
“Let’s see the details, but this is a historic win and testament to the power of organizing – it helps to trust and believe in that power,” said a spokesperson for Councilman Nicolas O’Rourke.
Members of IBEW Local 98 also expressed their excitement about the project.
“This new agreement between the 76ers and Comcast is a significant win for the 76ers, Comcast, our members and the entire City of Philadelphia. The Stadium District in South Philadelphia will be dramatically enhanced and expanded, providing the 76ers with the new state-of-the-art arena the team needs and deserves,” said Mark Lynch, Jr. Business Manager for IBEW Local 98.
“For IBEW Local 98 and the Trades, a $1.3 billion project just turned into a multi-billion development that will create a stunning new stadium district that will keep our members working for decades.”
Just weeks ago a majority of City Council sided with Mayor Parker and voted 12 to 5 to approve the 1-point-3 billion dollar proposal.
City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is among the 5 who voted no.
“I think the Sixers never should’ve gotten an approval on this project. We shouldn’t just lay out the red carpet for corporations and other developers to carry out projects that aren’t good for the community,” said Councilmember Gauthier.
No official announcement has been made yet by either the Sixers, Comcast Spectacor or the City of Philadelphia.
The Sixers currently play in the Wells Fargo Center and the team has expressed its desire to have a new arena ready for when its current lease expires in 2031.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.