Jason Kelce blasts how Sixers arena deal is playing out: "I hate it"

Driving the news: In an interview on 94WIP Morning Show Thursday, Kelce criticized the 76ers ownership for "strong-arming the city" by entertaining arena deals outside of Philadelphia.

• "The threat of moving the team is bulls--t, I hate it," Kelce wrote in a post on X explaining his stance.

What he's saying: "The [Sixers] ownership isn't Philadelphian! … I get the mayor's position and why they're doing this, but it sucks," Kelce said in his passionate style, a day after Mayor Cherelle Parker endorsed the Sixers plan.

• "I just don't think that amount of disrespect toward the citizens that allow you to have this team is appropriate," he added.

Context: Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, based in Camden, owns the 76ers and the New Jersey Devils.

The other side: The Sixers did not immediately return Axios' request for comment.

Zoom in: Kelce also raised concerns about the arena's potential displacement of Chinatown residents.

• Per a city study, the neighborhood bordering the new arena would likely suffer from increased traffic and property values.

The bottom line: While Kelce said he prefers the Sixers to build a new arena in South Philly, he expects the Market East arena will get built and that "people are going to love it."