CAMDEN, N.J. - Does New Jersey have a chance to steal the Sixers?
In a New Jersey Economic Development Authority letter to the owners of the historic NBA franchise, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and many other state leaders are pushing hard for the Philadelphia 76ers to relocate to Camden, N.J., amid ongoing negotiations for a new Center City Arena. The proposed area in Camden sits at the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge.
The Sixers said they're taking the proposal seriously. The team's practice facility is already in Camden, just a few blocks from the proposed site.
"It's very exciting that the Sixers would consider this move to New Jersey," said New Jersey Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (D-NJ 6). "This could be the final piece of the puzzle that turns Camden from what has been a city that has been on the preface of recovery to finally crossing the line."
Greenwald sees it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, saying it would not be at taxpayers' expense.
"This is all based on economic growth and development," said Greenwald.
Not all state lawmakers are rooting for it to happen.
"I would like to see the Sixers in New Jersey, but this price tag is astronomical," said Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips (R-NJ 40), who said the state's proposed $400 million in tax credits and $500 million in bonding would be on corporations to pay. "This is an irrational public policy where you overtax all the companies in our state, take the money, and give some of the money back to a few. In my opinion it would be better to lower New Jersey's corporate business tax rate to compete with Pennsylvania's."
NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan told PIX11 News in a statement:
"We are ready to seize on this opportunity and welcome the 76ers to the Garden State. As Camden continues to experience significant growth, the city serves as a prime location for the team to call their new home. In addition to a new arena, the project would spur a new mixed-use development project, leading to good-paying jobs and additional housing options for Camden’s families. This project is more than just having an NBA team in New Jersey, it’s about building upon New Jersey and Camden’s momentum and unleashing greater economic opportunities to the city’s residents. We look forward to continuing our conversations with HBSE and we stand committed to turn our proposal into reality."
NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan