Shaquille O’Neal Expresses Interest In Getting In On Possible Philadelphia 76ers Move To NJ

Shaquille O’Neal knows a thing or three about making the right business moves , and if given the opportunity, he’s interested in getting in on the Philadelphia 76ers possibly moving to New Jersey — his native home state.

Angel Reese Has Shaq’s Support To The Fullest: “She Reminds Me Of One Of My Babies”

During a conversation with VIBE , the former Lakers champ — who owns Newark, NJ’s CitiPlex 12 movie theater — was informed of the team’s ongoing discussion regarding relocation. When asked if he could see himself being involved in some way, Shaq made it clear that he would be interested in having “conversations with people and possibly be invited to the table.”

“I may have to make that phone call and see if that’s true,” he began. “I would love to have the opportunity to talk to the powers that be, but rumor is that there’s two more teams [possibly] coming. Maybe Vegas… maybe Seattle. I’d really like to be involved with that Vegas team because I live in Vegas. But any good opportunity, I would like to have the ability to just have conversations with people and possibly be invited to the table.”

The multifaceted impresario ‘s response comes after the state of New Jersey offered the 76ers to cross over the Ben Franklin Bridge and possibly make the city of Camden their new home. If the Sixers do decide to make that move, their potential arena would be built as a “mixed-use development” on the site of the former Riverfront State Prison — adjacent to the Delaware River and north of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

According to the ROI-NJ , the project would be “self-financed by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment,” which owns the Sixers, and would also be “eligible for up to $900,000,000 in economic incentives.”

The pressing move of the 76ers comes as the team’s lease with the Wells Fargo Center in Philly ends after the 2030-31 season. Additionally, backlash was received over a proposed arena plan to stay in the team’s home state, which still awaits a decision. However, HBSE wants to keep the ball rolling.

NJ could make sense for the Sixers, as HBSE already owns the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Also, the team’s offices and practice facility are already located in Camden. Unconfirmed if the 76ers would become the “NJ 76ers,” they’d be joining the likes of the New York Jets, Giants, and Red Bulls who all play in the Garden State.

Shaq Gives "Shaquille O'Deal" Tips With Klarna Campaign: "Save 75 Percent, Ball Out With 25"

“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,” a statement for the team reads . “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.”

In a joint statement, NJ reps (State Senate President Nick Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Sen. Paul Sarlo and Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald) stated : “Bringing the 76ers to the Camden waterfront would be a game-changer for the city of Camden and the state of New Jersey, and we strongly support Gov. [Phil] Murphy’s efforts to pursue this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

During a recent episode of Gov. Murphy’s Ask the Governor live radio show, he asserted, “I want to say up front it’s not clear that we’re going to win this. The Philadelphia 76ers, they’ve been there a long time. [But] this will transform Camden.”

He added, “We deliberately went out to the community [to a] bunch of the leaders there who we’ve worked with over the years and made sure that they knew that we had their back. If we get this, this is a game changer. Generational game changer.”

Delaware is also eyeing the team to make their city of Wilmington their new home.

Stephen Curry Inks New 1-Year Deal With Golden State Warriors `