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Philly fans and officials celebrate the reign of King James as the Sixers sign a superstar From Gov.
Josh Shapiro to fans playing basketball at Schuylkill River Park, excitement over LeBron James' decision to sign with the 76ers was palpable.
From Gov.
Josh Shapiro to fans playing basketball at Schuylkill River Park, excitement over LeBron James' decision to sign with the 76ers was palpable.
Philadelphia is now officially under the rule of King James.
And his newly minted subjects, it seems, couldnt be happier.
, the legendary NBA player and one of the most famous humans on the planet, is coming to Philly after havingon Friday.
The move, though one of the more improbable roster additions in franchise history, is real and officially commemorated at the highest levels of state government.Pennsylvania is honored to welcome LeBron James to our Commonwealth as he joins the Philadelphia 76ers for his best season yet, Gov.wrote in a proclamation declaring Friday, July 24, 2026, as LeBron James Day.
The day, he added, would honor James bright future in Philadelphia, among other achievements and anticipations.likewise welcomed the news, writing in a statement that the city would welcome James into our One Philly Family with open arms and electric energy.
Trust me when I say: We are rolling out the welcoming mat starting Day One! Parker said.We cannot wait to see you shine on the court.
Though months away from that debut on the court as a Sixer, James arrival to the team prompted a flurry of shock and support from fans and players alike, with seemingly every local establishment, institution, and celebrity offering a meme or message of disbelief.In fact,, for example, almost immediately extended a golf invite to James after the news broke, asking via social media when the forthcoming Sixer wanted to tee up.
Sixers point guardJames himself, meanwhile, was more staid in explaining his decision via social media.
After nearly two-dozen seasons in the NBA, James wrote, he thought he was done playing, but decided he continued to love the game and had more to give.I still want to sacrifice.
I still want to work.
I still want to grind.
I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship, James wrote.I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.
How LeBron landed in Philly: Recapping King James free agency twists and turns that led to the Sixers Some Sixers fans were beside themselves, with at least one ordering a Chantilly cake from Whole Foods to celebrate.Lydia Victor, a Northeast Philly, had the bakery write Trust the Process 23 in red frosting on top of the confection, and planned to cut it later in the day with her father, who went to college in Ohio, and is James biggest fan, she said.
Whether a James-led Sixers squad can actually win a championship was almost inconsequential Friday, though Victor already was designing plans to celebrate on Broad Street.The fact that James chose Philadelphia brought her more happiness than a championship might.
She likened the moment to Meredith Greys iconic monologue in the TV showIts just the mindset that Philly isnt always considered a big market and the national media usually counts us out when it comes to acquiring big-name free agents, she said.
But this time, things were different.still been in charge.Butts was optimistic about the Sixers championship chances, and excited for the teams younger stars to learn from a player he calls the greatest of all time.
Butts said he wants to welcome James in Philly fashion.
The historic nature of the day was seemingly reflected in professional sports enduring fan barometer merchandise sales.
By early Friday afternoon, Fanatics said it was already sold out of some Sixers-branded James jerseys..The adult royal blue, white, and red Swingman premium jerseys had been selling for $124.99, in line with the price of similar jerseys for other Sixers stars.
Youth jerseys had also been available to preorder for $69.99.
Fanatics was also selling James 2026-2027 Topps trading card, the one he signed and posted on Instagram after announcing his decision to come to Philly.
The cards were selling for between $11.99 for a single card and $169.99 for a 20-pack.Fanatics acquired Topps in 2022.
Schuylkill River Park.
Before leaving his home in Mount Airy, he put on his Tyrese Maxey jersey to hoop in not knowing James would sign with his favorite team shortly after.
Davis met up with a few friends on the way to Schuylkill River Park.One of them, Christopher Gaines, was just as excited as Davis and ready to write the day down in history books.The king of basketballs coming to Philly the city of sports and this is like a great day, a great moment, Davis said.
You know what? July 24, I will always remember as King Bron Day the day LeBron came to Philly.
I am a General Assignment Reporter covering the news of the day in the Philadelphia region, as well as how national events impact us.