NBA Team Considering Move To New Jersey After Attractive Proposal

A city with a former NBA team is aiming to get a franchise back.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority sent a letter to Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment, the company that owns the Philadelphia 76ers, expressing their commitment to bring the team to Camden, New Jersey.

"I am writing today to confirm the State of New Jersey’s strong interest in jointly developing with you a large-scale redevelopment project in the City of Camden that would include a world class sports and entertainment arena to serve as the new home of the 76ers," NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan wrote on Monday, September 2.

Camden is only a 15-minute drive from Philadelphia, and the Sixers already have roots in the city , having moved their corporate headquarters and training facility there in 2016. The team has played in Philadelphia since 1963 and won the NBA Championship in 1967 and 1983.

The Sixers are currently under lease to play at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia until the 2030-31 NBA season, and they announced plans to build a new arena in Center City, which they plan to call "76 Place."

The proposed arena has faced backlash from the local community due to concerns that it would eliminate street parking and lead to increased traffic congestion, putting doubt about its future.

Sixers Mulling New Jersey Proposal

On the other hand, the Sixers have expressed interest in the attractive New Jersey proposal, which offers tax incentives worth up to $400 million, as well as support from New Jersey state Governor Phil Murphy.

“We have worked tirelessly for the past five years to build an arena in Philadelphia, and negotiations remain ongoing with city leadership regarding our proposal at Market East. 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.” a spokesperson for the Sixers said.

The Brooklyn Nets were previously based in New Jersey from 1977 to 2012, playing in the Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford from 1981 until their relocation.

Read More NBA News From Stadium Rant Here: NBA News

MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here . Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our YouTube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and TikTok a follow for more great content!