LeBron James Makes Sixers Debut as South Philly Scrimmage Sells Out, Raises $80K

The Philadelphia 76ers brought their annual Blue x White scrimmage to Xfinity Mobile Arena for the first time Saturday, moving the event to the team’s South Philly home. The noon scrimmage gave fans a look at LeBron James and Jaylen Brown in Sixers uniforms. Tickets cost $10, with every dollar benefiting the Sixers Youth Foundation, and sold out before tip-off.

For years, the Sixers held the scrimmage at Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware, home of the team’s G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia. This year was the first time the team brought the event to its NBA arena. NBC described the change as a chance to host the annual scrimmage where the team plays during the season. CNN reported that the move was intended to accommodate more fans amid growing interest in the roster, in its coverage of the team’s media day.

The event’s fundraising total was already above $80,000 before the scrimmage. CBS News Philadelphia reported that tickets had sold out on Ticketmaster by Friday night and that ticket sales alone had raised more than $80,000 by then. Admission was $10, with every dollar going to the Sixers Youth Foundation.

James and Brown were among the most prominent new faces on the floor, though they arrived in Philadelphia by different routes. James signed with the Sixers in July and was introduced as a Sixer at the team’s media day this past Monday. Brown was officially introduced in August after the blockbuster trade that sent Paul George and two draft picks to the Boston Celtics, according to the CBS News Philadelphia report.

The CBS News Philadelphia account also lists forward Dean Wade, veteran shooter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, shooting guard Anfernee Simons and center Ariel Hukporti among the Sixers’ offseason signings, adding to the changes around the team’s returning core.

The turnout in Philadelphia had a parallel in Washington. The Athletic reported that Wizards fans filled nearly 85 percent of the arena’s lower bowl for an open practice, offering another example of strong fan interest in an offseason team event.

The ticket fundraiser is one part of the Sixers Youth Foundation’s community work. ROI-NJ reported that a separate $120,000 donation made through the foundation would fund youth fitness initiatives throughout Camden city.

The South Philly setting brought the Sixers’ annual exhibition to the arena where they play their season, while ticket revenue supported the team’s youth foundation. The more-than-$80,000 total had been reported before the opening tip.