Everything You Need to Know About LeBron James & the Sixers

Early Sixers History

Championships don’t always result in staying power. In 1963, the struggling Syracuse Nationals relocated to Philadelphia, rebranding the franchise as the 76ers following a public naming contest. The winning fan entry was 76ers, an ode to the Declaration of Independence in the birthplace of America. 

By 1967, the Sixers held the league’s best record and won the NBA championship, led by Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer and Billy Cunningham.

Sixers vs. Knicks in 1960   — Foto cortesía de la NBA

Cunningham would return to coach the 76ers and lead them to back-to-back NBA Finals in 1982 and 1983. Their 4-0 sweep over the Los Angeles Lakers in 1983 earned the franchise its first title since 1967 — fueled by star players Maurice Cheeks, Julius Erving and Moses Malone. 

In 1984, the Sixers drafted Charles Barkley, and the “Round Mound of Rebound” guided the team to the Eastern Conference Finals during his rookie year.

Finally, “The Answer” arrived in 1996. Allen Iverson brought a passion seldom seen in sports. He won over the City of Brotherly Love — on the court and off it, with his hip-hop street style and never-say-die attitude. Iverson put on the Superman cape in 2001, leading the Sixers on a memorable run to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1983.

The Sixers qualified for the playoffs a handful of times over the next 10 years, with appearances from notable players like Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams, Elton Brand, Andrew Bynum and others.

2001 Eastern Conference champions   — Foto cortesía de la NBA

The Process & Beyond

The Sixers began rebuilding the franchise after the 2012-13 season, known to fans and around the league as “The Process.”

Joining the team in 2014, Joel Embiid assumed the nickname “The Process” as the team began developing a supporting cast. 

Tyrese Maxey arrived on the scene in 2020, and his youthful energy and blistering speed breathed new life into the franchise — and helped them advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals again in 2021, 2022 and 2023. 

The Sixers continued “The Process” reboot by selecting VJ Edgecombe in 2025. A finalist for NBA Rookie of the Year, Edgecombe helped guide the team to an exciting trip back to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Joel Embiid   — Foto cortesía de la NBA

The LeBron James Era

In 2026, LeBron James — a 22-time All-Star and four-time world champion, with three Olympic gold medals to boot — decided to take his talents to Philadelphia in a jaw-dropping move that redistributed the balance of power in the NBA. 

On paper, the Sixers are stacked with stars heading into the 2026-27 season. James joins a dream starting five that includes Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Joel Embiid. Bench pieces include prized free agents Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons, along with top draft pick Labaron Philon Jr. 

Expectations are through the roof. The Sixers are among the early favorites to win it all in 2026 after James inked a two-year deal. A coronation (hopefully!) is the next step. 

Can’t-Miss Home Games This Season

The 2026-27 basketball season promises to be epic, but don’t just take our word for it. 

The NBA doled out a whopping 34 nationally televised games for the Sixers — the maximum number of national games a team can get, and the first time it has happened in Sixers’ franchise history.

Here are the biggest ones to circle on the calendar:

• October 22, 2026, vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Not only is this the home opener, but it also screams jilted lover. LeBron James, an Ohio native, spent 11 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and they were reportedly a finalist to land him in 2026 before the Sixers swooped in. 
• October 30, 2026 vs. New York Knicks: Look, we’re as tired of the Knicks as everyone else is, but they are the defending champions. Hopefully, this game avenges the Sixers’ playoff loss to New York in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals. 
• November 10, 2026, vs. Boston Celtics: Call it the Jaylen Brown Revenge Game. The Celtics traded the 2024 NBA Finals MVP to the Sixers in the offseason, setting up what should be a raucous (and emotional) night in South Philly. 
• November 25, 2026, vs. Miami Heat: Another team spurned by LeBron in free agency comes to town, only with star power of their own: Giannis Antetokounmpo, aka the Greek Freak, who partners with 83-point scorer Bam Adebayo. 
• December 17, 2026, vs. Dallas Mavericks: This is your chance to see Cooper Flagg, the NBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year, who does everything: acrobatic dunks, elite passing and lock-down defense — all with a high basketball IQ. 
• January 6, 2027, vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Don’t jinx it, fingers crossed! This could be a championship preview, with back-to-back MVP winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a loaded Thunder roster including former Sixers fan favorite Jared McCain.

  - Fotografía de Visit Philadelphia

More on Xfinity Mobile Arena

1-2-3-4-5-76ers. The arena’s loudspeakers play the old-school anthem after every Sixers’ win. 

Games at Xfinity Mobile Arena are always full of entertainment, from the tradition of having a local celebrity or newsmaker ring a replica Liberty Bell for luck before games to the playing of that funky theme song after a victory and everything in between, like post-game concerts and the Sixers Dream Team Dancers. 

Famous superfans — Meek Mill, Kevin Hart, M. Night Shyamalan, Questlove and more — sit regularly at courtside, high-fiving with fans. Also: Look for Alan Horwitz, aka the Sixth Man.

It’s not uncommon to see celebrity athletes sitting in the lower bowl, including Sixers greats like Allen Iverson and Julius Erving as well as current Eagles stars like Jalen Hurts and Cooper DeJean. (On rare occasions, you might see Will Smith.) 

  - Fotografía de Elevated Angles para Visit Philadelphia

Top concessions and amenities at Xfinity Mobile Arena include:

• Philly classics from fast-casual spots like Chickie’s & Pete’s, Buena Onda, 9th Street Italian Sandwiches, Cuz’s Pizza, The Coop, Federal Donuts, Rita’s Water Ice, and Insomnia Cookies
• Retail shops for official Sixers gear at the OutPHItters Store, Vault Store and Threads Store, and
• Premium bars and restaurants including Clarkie’s Bar, Chamberlain’s and The Showplace Bar, plus the tequila-focused Center Bar and Cadillac Grille Steakhouse on the Club Suite Level.

You can scan the entire concourse virtually aquí. Xfinity Mobile Arena features 126 luxury suites and 1,880 club-box seats, with a max capacity of 21,000 for basketball games. 

Entradas y más

¿Quieres ver al equipo en vivo y en directo en el Xfinity Mobile Arena?

Los Sextos have various packages and specials available, including single-game, multi-game and full-season tickets. Throughout the year, the team hosts noches promocionales con regalos, descuentos y mucho más.

The NBA regular season schedule drops in mid-August, with single-game tickets going on sale soon after. Keep in mind: Since news of LeBron James signing with the Sixers broke, tickets are in high demand. 

Coming in from out of town? Consider a hotel stay at one of these neighboring properties. 

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