Dueling analyses of the Philadelphia live sports and entertainment market surfaced this month trying to answer one of the fundamental questions that the city could be facing in 2031: How would the existence of two arenas affect their ability to attract non-NBA and non-NHL events?
The Philadelphia 76ers and owners Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment commissioned one study; they publicly stated in 2020 their intent to leave the city’s existing arena, Wells Fargo Center, at the end of the 2030-31 NBA season for a $1.5 billion arena they would build in downtown Philadelphia. Comcast Spectacor, owners of the Flyers and Wells Fargo Center and on record as wanting the Sixers to stay, commissioned the opposing analysis.
“Understanding what the non-NBA events in a new arena are is a critical factor in the success of a new building,” said Josh Cohen, CAA ICON senior vice president, strategic advisory, who oversaw his firm’s study for the 76ers in 2023. “Understanding that demand for live events outside NBA events was critical” for the 76ers’ plans.
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