🏟️ How billionaires won the Sixers arena debacle

🏀 🏟️ The Deal’s Not Done

• The Sixers and Comcast Spectacor will jointly develop what they promise will be a state-of-the-art arena in South Philly and an event complex in the surrounding area. Also: Comcast gets an ownership stake in the team, and the naming rights for the new arena go to Comcast.
• While plans for a Center City arena next to Chinatown are scrapped, there are vague promises of an economic development project in its place.
• Mayor Cherelle Parker admitted that news of the Sixers abandoning plans for a Center City arena was a “curveball,” but she was enthusiastically supportive of the new deal, which will require city government approvals (again).
• Wanda Sykes, comedienne and actress, was at the announcement Monday to say that the deal includes a bid for a WNBA team for Philly, which she has long advocated for. [🔒 The Inquirer]
• We’ve compiled reactions to the arena switcheroo here.

🫢 Looks Like Krasner Has Some Competition

Former Philadelphia Judge Patrick Dugan will run for District Attorney, likely challenging incumbent Larry Krasner. Dugan is expected to make his campaign announcement at the headquarters of the powerful Building Trades. Krasner has yet to officially announce a run for a third term. [🔒 The Inquirer]

⛪ Church Burglary in Center City

Early Saturday morning, a 125-year-old crown was stolen from St. John Evangelist Church in Center City after a suspect broke into the building by shattering a stained glass window. The crown was resting on the head of a statue of Mary. Authorities are still searching for the suspect. [PhillyVoice]

🚨 🚘 Four Officers Injured at Illegal Car Meetup

Around 50 vehicles were in a Target parking lot off City Line Avenue for an illegal car meetup Saturday night when law enforcement attempted to disperse the crowd. Several vehicles fled at high speeds, police said, and during the ensuing chase patrol cars crashed, leaving four officers injured. [FOX29]

Philadelphia is still trying to process how and why the Sixers reneged on a plan to revitalize Center City with a new arena and instead partner with Comcast to stay in South Philly. While some Philadelphians are relieved, and others are furious, all of us are confused. Here’s a sampling of what we heard on Monday, the day after this news was revealed.

We’d love to hear your thoughts too! Call/ text us at 215-259-8170, email us at [email protected], or fill out this Google form, and we’ll try to include your comment in the newsletter or podcast.

Save Chinatown Coalition: “This sham of a process laid bare what Philadelphians have long known: Decisions about the future of neighborhoods are not being made by the people who live there or have their best interest in mind, but by a select few who care only about their own bank accounts, and a City Hall that’s bought and paid for.”

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts: “This is a great day for Philadelphia and the fans of our storied sports franchises.’’

Councilmember Jim Harrity: “I’m so livid right now I don’t even know what to do. I feel as though I was used as a pawn.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver: “This new collaboration will result in real tangible benefits for the people of Philadelphia.”

No Arena Coalition: “We were clear from day one that it was dangerous to play in the viper pit with billionaires, but City Hall toyed with the snakes, and they got bit. 12 of 17 Councilmembers turned their backs on decades of research on the false promise of stadium developments, common sense, their voters, and the 70% of Philadelphians who opposed this arena." –

Josh Harris, co-owner of 76ers: "Philadelphia will now benefit from two developments instead of one. At the sports complex we will work together to build the very best arena in the country -- a home for the Sixers and Flyers that will bring the most exciting concerts and events to the city all year."