NBA Rumors: Sixers relocation to a former NBA market gains momentum

In a surprising development, the Philadelphia 76ers seem increasingly likely to leave Philadelphia to play in a neighboring state. Sixers ownership has been trying to build a privately funded new arena near Chinatown but that proposal has been largely unpopular and seems increasingly unlikely.

The lack of an alternative has led to rumblings that the Sixers could move to nearby New Jersey, where city officials have been trying to lure them. They already have a practice facility in New Jersey and Sixers ownership has other ties to the area, making it possible that they could change states.

Now comes word from a 76ers spokesperson acknowledging and confirming that the team could indeed move across the Delaware River to New Jersey. 

Will the Philadelphia 76ers really move to New Jersey?

While the Sixers wouldn't be able to move until 2031, it takes years for arenas to be built, and there is a deadline for these sorts of things. That deadline may be early 2028, far enough away to give all sides time. On the other hand, the longer the approval process takes, the greater the likelihood that the Sixers indeed move to New Jersey.

Currently, nearly a dozen bills would have to be passed for construction to begin but New Jersey is offering massive incentives for a new arena. If the Sixers were to move there, it would mark the end of what would be a 70-year tenure in Philadelphia.

In fact, they, the New York Knicks, and the Boston Celtics have been in their NBA cities the longest. Therefore, their leaving would be a huge deal. Whether they would become the New Jersey 76ers is unclear, with other teams with similar setups often keeping their original name. For instance, the New York Giants and the New York Jets both play in New Jersey.

The Sixers would probably do the same for branding purposes and to try and appear to both current fans while being closer to potential New Jersey fans. Things don't always work out that way; however, it would be interesting to see if the 76ers would be able to keep their fan base.

Especially without Joel Embiid, who will be nearing his late 30s by the time a new arena gets built and the Sixers take the court there, wherever that may be. We will eventually find out.