Could the Philadelphia 76ers be hosting another All-Star game in the near future?
The last time the Philadelphia 76ers hosted an All-Star game was in 2002. That was 18 years ago and that is simply just too long to not have another All-Star game in the City of Brotherly Love. The good news for Sixers fans is that the club thinks that as well.
According to Jabari Young of CNBC, the Sixers are looking to host another NBA All-Star game in 2026, which just happens (per Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice) to be the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. This makes sense for the 76ers based on the historical relevance of the city of Philadelphia to the founding of the U.S.
It should be noted that the Sixers also hosted the 1976 All-Star game, which was the country’s 200th birthday. Besides the importance of the city, having the chance to host it’s fourth All-Star game on such a special year, this is important for the franchise’s future and their young stars.
Sixers’ perception of the future.
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24 years between the 2002 All-Star game and the one the franchise wants to host in 2026 seems like a long time. However, considering the state of the team between those time periods, it’s not really.
The Sixers were coming off of an NBA Finals appearance 2001-02 season. Allen Iverson was at the prime of his career. That season, he averaged 31.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.7 steals. Iverson was a box office talent and hosting the All-Star game that year certainly didn’t hurt his stardom, despite the late Kobe Byrant coming away with the All-Star MVP trophy.
Since Iverson’s departure in the 2006-07 season, the Sixers didn’t have name garnering superstar for over 10 years. Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday were All-Stars, but they weren’t anything more for Philly.
Thanks to the 76ers rebuild, aka “The Process”, the Sixers have not one, but two box office level players in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. They are the type of players that make the franchise an interesting location for an All-Star weekend.
Considering the long-term projection of when Philly wants to host All-Star festivities, the franchise must feel comfortable that they will have both Simmons and Embiid on the roster long-term. Which is a comforting thought for Sixers fans.
Having those two superstars still in the prime of their careers, plus the city’s historical background makes the Philadelphia 76ers an ideal team to host an All-Star game. Hopefully, the Sixers will be able to secure that All-Star weekend for the city.