"Ruining Chinatown": Sixers fans express displeasure after mayor announces deal for 76ers arena to be built in Center City

Philadelphia 76ers fans weren't happy with Mayor Cherelle Parker's agreement with the sports organization. The team has a lease at Wells Fargo Center that expires in 2031, which makes finding a new home essential to avoid potential relocation.

Initially, one of the plans involved a temporary relocation to New Jersey, where the home games would be played in a different city. Fortunately for fans, a new deal between the local government and the franchise had been made.

Mayor Parker confirmed in a video she posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the Sixers will stay home. She shared the details of a newly agreed plan to build a new arena in Center City.

"I am proud to share that I've made my decision and an agreement has been reached that will ensure that our Sixers are staying home. My administration has reached an agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers for an arena in Center City," Mayor Parker said.

"Philadelphia, I am proud. This is a historic agreement. It is the best financial deal ever by a Philadelphia mayor for a local sports arena. I wholeheartedly believe, it is the right deal for the people of Philadelphia."

While Mayor Parker seemed happy with the agreed decision for the city's basketball team, the fans weren't having it. They expressed their disappointment on X and did not hold back.

"Ruining Chinatown and separating the one of the sports teams all at once," one fan wasn't happy about the news.

"Hate this so much. Free Chinatown," another fan said.

"Keep the arena where it is. No one’s 'proud' about this 'historic' agreement," a fan said.

Here are some more reactions from fans.

"I hate the Sixers for this because it's so unnecessary. Disrupting a community for some corporate bulls**t," one fan said.

"A stadium I will never visit," another fan said.

"I’ll never go to a Sixers game again lol," one fan said.

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The 76ers owner wants the team to strengthen ties with the local community

Shortly after it was confirmed by Mayor Parker, 76ers partner Josh Harris shared a statement regarding the plans for the arena. Harris pointed out that the organization's presence "was meant to reinvigorate Center City Philadelphia.

Harris also shared that they aim to strengthen ties with the local community. The new arena is set to be accessible to fans and the team before the start of the 2031-32 NBA season.