You probably think of the Philadelphia 76ers as the ultimate "Philly" team. They represent the grit, the attitude, and the history of the City of Brotherly Love. But here’s the thing: they aren't actually from Philadelphia. Well, not originally.
If you go back far enough, the team wasn't playing in the shadow of the Liberty Bell. They were over 250 miles north, in a city much smaller and much colder.
Where are the 76ers from originally?
The franchise we now know as the Sixers actually started life in Syracuse, New York.
Back in 1939, they were founded as the Syracuse Nationals. They weren't even in the NBA at first because the NBA didn't exist yet. They were an independent professional team, eventually joining the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1946.
It’s kinda wild to think about now, but Syracuse was a powerhouse.
The "Nats," as people called them, were owned by a guy named Danny Biasone. If you love the fast pace of modern basketball, you actually owe Biasone a huge thank you. He was the one who pushed for the creation of the 24-second shot clock. Before that, teams would just get a lead and hold the ball forever. It was boring. Biasone’s invention literally saved the sport from becoming a snooze-fest.
The Syracuse Nationals weren't just some footnote in history, either. They were good. Really good.
They made the playoffs every single year they were in the NBA. In 1955, led by the legendary Dolph Schayes, they actually won the NBA Championship. So, technically, the first title in this franchise's history belongs to the people of Upstate New York, not Philadelphia.
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The big move in 1963
So, why did they leave?
Money. It usually is. Syracuse was one of the smallest markets in the league. Even though the team was winning, the arena was small, and the profit margins were razor-thin.
Meanwhile, down in Philadelphia, there was a massive void. The city’s original team, the Philadelphia Warriors, had just packed up and moved to San Francisco in 1962 (where they still play today as the Golden State Warriors). Philly fans were left with no basketball, and the NBA was desperate to have a team back in such a major TV market.
In the spring of 1963, two Philadelphia businessmen, Irv Kosloff and Ike Richman, bought the Syracuse Nationals for about $500,000.
That seems like pocket change now, but it was a gamble then. They moved the team down to Pennsylvania, and just like that, the Syracuse era was over.
How they became the "76ers"
Once the team arrived in Philadelphia, they needed a new identity. "Nationals" felt a bit generic for a city with so much revolutionary weight.
They held a contest to pick a new name. Over 4,000 entries poured in.
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A guy named Walter Stalberg submitted the winning name: the 76ers.
It was a direct nod to 1776, the year the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. It fit perfectly. It was patriotic, it was local, and it sounded cool. The name was officially adopted on August 6, 1963.
From that point on, they weren't just a relocated team; they were Philadelphia's team.
From Syracuse stars to Philly legends
The transition wasn't just about a name change. It was about a culture shift.
Shortly after moving, the team made a blockbuster trade to bring Wilt Chamberlain back to his hometown of Philadelphia. Wilt had played for the Warriors when they were in Philly, so his return was like the homecoming of a king.
In the 1966-67 season, the 76ers went on a tear. They finished 68-13. That was the best record in NBA history at the time. They finally broke the Boston Celtics' eight-year championship streak and brought a title to Philly.
That 1967 team is still considered by many historians to be the greatest single-season team ever assembled.
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The eras that defined the city
Since those early days, the 76ers have become synonymous with legendary players who reflect the city's "work hard" personality.
- The Dr. J Era: Julius Erving arrived in 1976 and changed the game with his flair. He finally got his ring in 1983 alongside Moses Malone.
- The Barkley Years: Charles Barkley brought the attitude and the rebounding in the late 80s, even if he never got that elusive championship in Philadelphia.
- The Answer: Allen Iverson. Honestly, no player has ever represented the "soul" of Philadelphia quite like A.I. did in the early 2000s.
- The Process: More recently, the team went through a controversial rebuilding phase that landed them Joel Embiid, the current face of the franchise.
What to know if you're a new fan
If you're looking into where are the 76ers from because you're starting to follow the team, you should know that the history is as much about the struggle as it is about the winning.
The team currently plays at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia, right in the middle of the city's massive sports complex. There’s been a ton of talk lately about them moving to a new downtown arena (76 Place) in the Fashion District by 2031, but for now, they are anchored in the South Philly soil.
The 76ers are one of only eight original franchises to survive the NBA's first decade. That’s a lot of staying power.
Actionable ways to dive into Sixers history:
- Visit the Wells Fargo Center: Even if there isn't a game, the statues outside (like the Wilt Chamberlain memorial) tell the story of the team's roots.
- Check out the Syracuse connection: If you're ever in Upstate New York, look for the monument dedicated to Danny Biasone and the 24-second shot clock. It's a piece of Sixers history most people ignore.
- Watch the 1983 "Fo', Fi', Fo'" highlights: It’s the last time the team won it all, and it's essential viewing for any real fan.
The 76ers might have been born in the snow of Syracuse, but they grew up on the streets of Philadelphia. They are a team defined by their relocation, their revolutionary name, and a fan base that expects nothing less than total hustle.
The next time someone asks where the 76ers are from, you can tell them the whole story—from the invention of the shot clock in New York to the championship parades on Broad Street.
To truly understand the modern team, keep an eye on the injury reports and the Eastern Conference standings, as the "Process" is still very much an ongoing chapter in this long, strange history.