Philadelphia 76ers stop using corporate name of home arena

PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia 76ers have 86ed the corporate name to their home arena. The Sixers have decided to stop referring to the Wells Fargo Center

PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia 76ers have 86ed the corporate name to their home arena.

The Sixers have decided to stop referring to the Wells Fargo Center by name in all news releases and on the team website because the financial institution chose not to become a business partner with the basketball franchise.

This season, the 76ers started referring to the 20,000-seat arena simply as The Center. Some fans thought that was just a marketing idea to develop a catchy nickname for the arena instead of referring to the corporate title.

But the Sixers started sending press releases stating events would be held ''at the Sixers' home arena.''

Chris Heck, chief revenue officer of the 76ers, said the bank isn't a sponsor of the team.

Wells Fargo, which has a naming rights deal on the arena through 2024, declined comment.

Comcast Spectacor officials said in a statement that the 76ers have been great tenants.