Philadelphia City Council Presses 76ers on Arena Funding and Community Impact

City Council scrutinizes the 76ers' proposed $50 million community benefits agreement amid concerns over taxpayer costs and minority representation.

The Philadelphia City Council is questioning the 76ers' refusal to increase their $50 million community benefits agreement for a new Center City arena.
Council members are concerned the project could negatively impact local communities, including Chinatown, and have asked for more financial commitment from the team.
The 76ers have negotiated a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes deal, which some council members argue could result in significant tax savings for the team at the expense of the city.
Lawmakers are also worried about the project's potential effects on SEPTA and Philadelphia's 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
The City Council must approve the $1.3 billion project by the end of the year to meet the 76ers' timeline, but Council members are demanding further negotiations.