The owners of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers took action this week to ensure that their team had a strong presence in their own arena for game six of the playoff series against the New York Knicks. Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and David Adelman, along with former minority owner Michael Rubin, purchased more than 2,000 tickets and distributed them to local do-gooders, including first responders and health care professionals. This decision came after the Sixers were underrepresented in the crowd during game four against the Knicks on Sunday.
Fans around the city wearing Sixers gear were surprised with tickets in unmarked, white envelopes, as shown in a video posted to social media. The Thursday night game marks the sixth in the playoff series, with New York currently leading 3-2. Tickets for the game were selling for between $136 and $1,991 on StubHub the morning of the game. Rubin, who had previously owned a stake in the team, explained that they were motivated to make the purchase after seeing an influx of Knicks fans at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday.
In response to the overwhelming presence of Knicks fans at the arena, former NBA player and Philadelphia native Dawn Staley urged Sixers season ticket holders not to sell their tickets to Knicks fans. Michael Rubin also took to social media, posting a message on X (formerly Twitter) calling on fans to support the team and not allow the arena to be dominated by opposing fans. The owners’ decision to purchase and distribute tickets to local do-gooders was a proactive effort to ensure a strong showing of support for the Sixers during a crucial game in the playoff series.
The outcome of the Thursday night game will determine the course of the playoff series, with a win for the Sixers forcing a seventh game and a win for the Knicks sending them to face the winner of the Bucks-Pacers series. The owners’ actions not only demonstrate their commitment to the team and its fans but also highlight the importance of home court advantage in playoff matchups. By ensuring a strong presence of local supporters in the arena, the owners are hoping to create a more favorable environment for the Sixers to compete in as they strive to advance in the postseason.
Josh Harris, David Blitzer, David Adelman, and Michael Rubin are all billionaire owners of the Philadelphia 76ers, with Rubin also being a former minority owner. Their combined efforts to purchase and distribute tickets for the game demonstrate their dedication to the team and their desire to see the Sixers succeed. Additionally, Rubin’s background in sports merchandising through Fanatics has helped him amass a significant net worth, making him a key player in the ownership group’s decision to support the team and its fans. As the playoff series continues, all eyes will be on the outcome of the Thursday night game and the impact of the owners’ actions on the team’s performance and fan support.
