Mayor Cherelle Parker is backing the Sixers $1.5 billion arena plan in Center City. Why it matters: Parker's blessing is critical for the stalled project to overcome strong opposition and sends a powerful signal to fellow Democratic lawmakers to fall in line.

Activists rallied outside City Hall to oppose the $1.55 billion plan that aims to build a new venue near Chinatown.

Big breaking news in the Sixers arena battle. Mayor Parker came out in support of the project Wednesday afternoon: As your Mayor, I’m speaking from my City Hall office with a very important announcement.