Plans for a new Sixers and Flyers arena in South Philadelphia are moving slowly, with no immediate action expected from City Council. Council President Kenyatta Johnson told reporters Thursday that, for the moment, lawmakers are not likely to consider any legislation related to the proposed facility.

Story Highlights:

• Sixers and Flyers aim to open a new arena in South Philadelphia by 2031.

• City Council currently has no timeline or immediate action planned.

• Abandoned Center City arena plan faced opposition over traffic and neighborhood impact.

• Comcast’s $2.5B South Philadelphia Sports Complex redevelopment includes retail, restaurants, hotel, and entertainment venues.

• Funding and taxpayer contributions for the arena are yet to be clarified.

• Council also focuses on H.O.M.E. housing initiative and potential impacts of SNAP and Medicaid cuts.

“I don’t have any information in terms of when it’s moving forward. I’ll leave it there,” Johnson said following Council’s first regular meeting after the summer recess.

The Sixers, together with Comcast Spectacor, have publicly stated their goal of opening a new arena within the South Philadelphia Sports Complex by 2031. Currently, both teams play at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, which has served as their home for nearly 30 years and recently underwent a $400 million renovation.

A spokesperson for the Sixers emphasized the ongoing planning efforts. “The 76ers, Flyers, and Comcast have been working very hard to put together plans for Market Street East and for a new arena. We look forward to sharing more information as plans and timelines are solidified,” the spokesperson said.

The announcement comes months after City Council approved a separate proposal to build a new basketball arena in Center City near Chinatown. That plan was later abandoned by the franchise, following a series of hearings, closed-door negotiations, and widespread protests. Critics had warned that a Center City arena could overwhelm the area with traffic, threaten small businesses, and disrupt the neighborhood’s daily life.

By contrast, the South Philadelphia Sports Complex is expected to encounter less opposition. The complex is already a hub for fans of the city’s four major sports teams and is set for significant changes in the coming years. Comcast announced a $2.5 billion redevelopment plan last February, aiming to transform the sports complex into a year-round destination for work, play, and entertainment.

The redevelopment plan includes new retail outlets, restaurants, a music venue, and a hotel. If fully realized, it could also add office buildings and residential housing to the area. How exactly a new Sixers arena would fit into this broader vision is still unclear. Details about construction costs, timelines, and whether taxpayer funding would be sought remain unannounced.

Council’s last regular meeting for the 2025 session is scheduled for December 11, leaving questions about the project’s legislative progress.

Meanwhile, Johnson noted that City Council’s current focus is on other pressing issues. “We’re working in partnership with the administration around the H.O.M.E. initiative. We wanna address the issue of housing and inequality in the city of Philadelphia,” he said.

The Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative, Mayor Cherelle Parker’s signature housing program, is backed by $800 million in bonds. The multifaceted plan is designed to preserve and create 30,000 units of housing across Philadelphia. Johnson also highlighted Council’s concern over federal program cuts, adding, “We will be looking at, just from an advocacy standpoint, educating the wider public in terms of the impact that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cuts are going to have on our constituencies, as well as the Medicaid cuts.”

As the Sixers arena plan moves forward slowly, it remains part of a broader vision to revitalize the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and surrounding areas, balancing sports development with community and economic priorities.

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