April 13, 2016
As the Sixers wind down their disappointing 2015-2016 season, the organization is looking forward to a brighter future symbolized by its state-of-the-art practice facility under construction across the Delaware River in Camden.
On Wednesday, the Sixers announced plans for a 10,000-square-foot Innovation Lab that will offer startup companies a sponsorship program highlighted by a rolling speaker series, leadership training from acclaimed executives and an office space with access to a range of business solution services.
The goal of the Sixers Innovation Lab, developed through a partnership with sustainable furnishing designer Kimball Office, is to provide a platform for early-stage companies that impact the crossroads of sports and consumer products. Partners in the initiative include the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, NextStage Capital, DreamIt Ventures, and startup accelerator Techstars.
Selected companies from around the world will be given access to a pool of resources including industry experts, financiers and third-party consulting, legal and accounting services. In addition to a Philadelphia 76ers sponsorship, entrepreneurs will have the chance to pitch their ideas to investors and venture capital firms.
“As the Philadelphia 76ers organization eagerly awaits our move into a state-of-the-art basketball training complex, we thought it provided the perfect opportunity to include the Sixers Innovation Lab Crafted by Kimball, to drive the entrepreneurial spirit that is at the very foundation of this region,” said Philadelphia 76ers CEO Scott O’Neil, “We are fortunate to have assembled an unmatched roster of partners that have deep and seemingly unending material relationships in sports, media, technology and consumer-facing businesses that will serve the early stage companies housed under our roof and provide every advantage to help these aspiring leaders fulfill their dreams.”
In January, the Sixers revealed renderings of the 125,000-square-foot training complex, the largest of its kind in the NBA, that will be located next to the BB&T Pavillion and across from the Adventure Aquarium. The facility will include two NBA-size regulation courts; state-of-the-art performance, wellness, recovery, and hydrotherapy rooms; a 2,800-square-foot player locker room; private player amenities; a 40-foot lap pool; a press room; and business operations offices that will house 250 employees. The facility is expected to open in the final quarter of 2016.
An artist rendering of what the completed complex will look like.
Applications to participate in the Sixers Innovation Lab will be accepted April 15 through September 30, 2016. Companies interested in applying can find more information here.
