LeBron James Ignites Philadelphia After 76ers Signing as Harper Recalls $330 Million Frenzy
Updated
Updated · MLB.com · Jul 24
LeBron James Ignites Philadelphia After 76ers Signing as Harper Recalls $330 Million Frenzy
3 articles · Updated · MLB.com · Jul 24
Summary
Bryce Harper said Philadelphia is "on fire" after LeBron James signed with the 76ers, comparing the buzz to the citywide reaction when he joined the Phillies.
Harper pointed to the immediate commercial jolt from his own 2019 arrival: the Phillies sold 100,000 tickets within hours of his 13-year, $330 million deal and 80,000 more the next day.
He said that signing changed the franchise's trajectory over the past seven years by helping attract later stars such as Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner and J.T. Realmuto.
James, 41, announced Friday that Philadelphia will be his fourth NBA team and said the move is his "last decision" as he tries to end the 76ers' 43-year title drought.