On the first day Josh Harris stepped behind the microphone to celebrate buying the 76ers, he promised fans the new ownership group cared deeply about the distressed franchise and vowed a holding that included Fanatics founder Michael Rubin and rapper Will Smith would return the team to greatness. More than 13 years later, from The Process to the postseason, Harris can make good on winning his first major championship in Philadelphia β a conference title, at least β with one ironic caveat:.
Forget the NBA. Across the street from where the year-old Harris' 76ers already are straggling to the finish line about halfway through the NBA season, the Commanders play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in an unlikely NFC championship game.
Take the Commanders to the Super Bowl in just his second season following the ugly end of former owner Dan Snyder's tenure and the District of Columbia just might erect a statue for Harris near the Washington Monument. Hoist the George Halas Trophy awarded to the NFC champion in Philadelphia β where the Sixers have yet to win a playoff game past the second round on his watch β and Harris might need to summon Big Dom over from the Eagles' sideline to safely escort him off the field.
Harris, who made his wealth as co-founder of the private equity firm Apollo Global Management, wasn't necessarily always unpopular in Philly. Under the Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment Banner, the 76ers moved their practice court from an orthopedic medicine campus into a sparkling facility in New Jersey and haven't been afraid to dig deep into their deep pockets to spend on a winner.
After a couple of years of squabbling, the 76ers recently abandoned plans with the city to move downtown and instead will partner with Comcast Spectacor, their current landlord, to build a new arena in South Philadelphia.
