New Jersey Trying To Lure Philadelphia 76ers to Garden State
Arena in Camden Could Be Home for NBA Team Next Decade
If it is okay – to some – that the New York Jets and New York Giants call New Jersey home, then there is precedent for the Philadelphia 76ers Relocation to the Garden State.
Right?
Breaking News: The state of New Jersey is making a serious push to convince the Philadelphia 76ers to move to New Jersey and into a new arena that would be built in Camden, four people familiar with the discussions confirmed to ROI-NJ. https://t.co/hZkDIwi8vd pic.twitter.com/pCAhHJqzPd
— ROI-NJ (@ROINJNews) July 18, 2024
The Push Is On To Bring NBA Back to Garden State
In basketball news on Thursday, ROI-NJ.com reported New Jersey officials are making a push for the Philadelphia 76ers Relocation to what would be a new arena in Camden.
The 76ers are under lease to Wells Fargo Center until 2030-31, so nothing is imminent. However, they have been pushing for a new arena without any luck.
ROI-NJ.com sources indicated that talks have picked up recently, in part because HBSE’s efforts to build a new arena in Center City Philadelphia have hit repeated roadblocks, despite the fact that the owners have indicated they would self-finance the $1.3 billion proposed project.
Philadelphia 76ers Relocation: No NBA Team Since Nets Left for Brooklyn
New Jersey used to have an NBA team, the Nets, but they moved to Brooklyn and Barclays Center during the 2012-13 campaign. The Nets spent 35 years in New Jersey before their move.
A 76ers spokesperson tried to calm the buzz regarding this NBA news: “We remain focused on bringing a state-of-the-art arena to Philadelphia, as we have been for the last four years” a spokesperson said.
Still, the team currently has its offices and practice facility in Camden. Team owner HBSE counts the New Jersey Devils and Newark’s Prudential Center among its holdings. Newark would be 90 minutes or so from Camden and the Pru would not be the answer to a brand-spanking new venue anymore.
Camden Loves Relationship with the 76ers
A spokesperson for Camden glowed over the city’s relationship with the NBA team.
“The 76ers are fully engaged in Camden’s unprecedented revitalization and have been incredible community partners since moving here” the person said in a statement. “The city is always open to new opportunities and the potential for new projects, and, of course, any development would need to be a collaborative effort with the community.”
“We are grateful to Gov. Murphy and the EDA for advancing economic growth throughout the state while focusing on Camden as a prime location for these efforts.”
As discussions about the Philadelphia 76ers Relocation continue, fans and officials will closely watch the developments to see if the team eventually moves across the river.
