PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Sixers fans packed Xfinity Mobile Arena for the team’s first public practice of the season Saturday, getting their first look at LeBron James, Jalen Brown, and the revamped roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.
For some fans, seeing James in a Sixers uniform made the excitement surrounding the upcoming season feel real.
“I’m really excited for LeBron; even if he only has a couple of years left, it’s going to be a really exciting year,” said Alexa Metzinger of Cherry Hill.
The annual Blue x White Scrimmage is typically held at the Delaware Blue Coats’ facility in Wilmington, Delaware, but this year the team moved the event to South Philadelphia, allowing more fans to attend.
The event was also designed to make the team’s first public practice more accessible to fans. Admission came through a $10 donation to the Sixers Youth Foundation. The team also donated 5,000 tickets to local youth groups and community partners.
“It’s good for some kids that never afford to go to a game or event like this, and it’s a memorable moment,” Albert Geiger said.
For many in the crowd, one of the biggest moments came when James took the court as a Sixer in front of Philadelphia fans for the first time.
“It was great, obviously; it was fun to be able to play in front of our Philly faithful for the first time,” James said. “It was a great first step in the direction we’re trying to go, and it was great to hear some cheers from fans.”
With excitement surrounding the new roster also comes high expectations from fans.
“I pray we go all the way. I just got season tickets, and I don’t want to waste my hard-earned working money,” Geiger said.
The Sixers open their four-game preseason schedule Monday night against the New York Knicks.
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