Seeing the Philadelphia 76ers leave the City of Brotherly Love for a new home might be a development NBA fans won’t expect anytime soon. But after New Jersey Phil Murphy’s recent update about the matter, there’s a chance the Joel Embiid-led team might not play in Philly somewhere down the line.
The long-standing speculation of the Sixers relocating across the Delaware River to New Jersey appears to be heating up once again. State officials in New Jersey are actively pursuing the possibility of the NBA franchise moving to a new arena that would be built in Camden.
This would not be the first time the Sixers have been linked to a potential move to the Garden State. Three decades ago, similar discussions took place, but the team ultimately remained in Philadelphia. However, with the changing landscape of the NBA and the constant search for new revenue streams, the idea of the Sixers setting up shop in New Jersey has resurfaced.
The reported plan calls for the construction of a state-of-the-art arena in Camden that would serve as the new home for the Sixers. This would provide the team with a modern facility and potentially open up new marketing and sponsorship opportunities across the river in New Jersey.
While details are still scarce, the renewed talks have certainly sparked renewed interest and speculation among basketball fans in both states. Whether the Sixers ultimately make the move or remain in Philadelphia remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the possibility is once again being seriously explored.
Plan To Relocate Philadelphia 76ers To New Home Gets Update From New Jersey Governor
Just last week, Murphy made a pitch for the Sixers to relocate to the Garden State. According to a report by Brent Johnson for NJ.com, the governor confirmed that talks are happening about the proposed plan.
“It’s real in the sense there’s a serious conversation,” Murphy told reporters at the Statehouse in Trenton. “We’re blessed with a good relationship with these guys. Both the owners and the professionals who run Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment. … Both of them are already relevant in New Jersey.”
“We’ve been observing the lack of progress in Philadelphia, and we said: You know what? We’re gonna raise this with them. And we’re serious about it. They appear to be serious about it. We’ll see. You never know where these things land.”
During the offseason, the Sixers acquired All-Star wing Paul George to form a talented trio with Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey. This move makes Philly a serious contender to win the Eastern Conference against the Boston Celtics.
It remains to be seen how this plan will play along down the line. If it does end up in fruition, expect the NBA and its fans to be shaken at the sight of the Sixers playing in Jersey.
For More Great Basketball Content
Follow me on Twitter at @BeatKit22 and follow us @HardwoodHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional sports, click here!