Mayor Cherelle Parker is backing the Sixers $1.5 billion arena plan in Center City. Why it matters: Parker's blessing is critical for the stalled project to overcome strong opposition and sends a powerful signal to fellow Democratic lawmakers to fall in line.

Mayor Cherelle Parker pledged her support for the Philadelphia 76ers’ proposed Center City arena on Wednesday, a major step for the $1.55 billion development project that requires her approval. In a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, Parker said the city has reached a "historic" deal to keep the Sixers in Philadelphia.