The 76ers, based in Philadelphia and founded in 1946 as the Syracuse Nationals

Netflix and the Philadelphia 76ers: A Closer Look at the Streaming Giant’s Interest in the Iconic NBA Franchise

As streaming platforms continue to embrace the world of sports storytelling, Netflix has increasingly explored the world of basketball, producing high-profile documentaries and dramatized series featuring major NBA stars and historic moments. While no full-length documentary has yet been dedicated solely to the Philadelphia 76ers, there is growing anticipation and potential for Netflix to spotlight one of the league’s most storied and complex franchises.

The 76ers, based in Philadelphia and founded in 1946 as the Syracuse Nationals, are one of the NBA’s oldest franchises. They boast a rich legacy that includes legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson, and more recently, Joel Embiid. With a history of championship triumphs, dramatic rebuilds, and charismatic stars, the Sixers are a natural fit for a compelling documentary or docuseries.

Netflix has already dipped into 76ers-related territory through its broader basketball content. For instance, the 2022 feature film Hustle, produced by and starring Adam Sandler, centered around a fictional NBA scout for the 76ers. Set largely in Philadelphia and featuring appearances from current and former NBA players, the film offered viewers a glimpse into the basketball culture of the city. It was widely praised for its authenticity and heartfelt portrayal of a scout’s grind and the dream of making it to the NBA.

Additionally, Netflix’s 2024 docuseries The Starting 5, which follows five prominent NBA players throughout a season, includes James Harden—who spent a significant part of his career with the 76ers. Although Harden is featured during his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers, his time in Philadelphia remains part of the narrative arc, giving fans a look at his transition and legacy.

Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, the Sixers’ franchise center and 2023 NBA MVP, has ventured into documentary storytelling with his own media company, Miniature Géant, in partnership with LeBron James’ SpringHill Company. Though the Embiid-centered documentary is not a Netflix production, it further showcases the increasing media interest in the 76ers and their stars. Should it prove successful, it could inspire Netflix to pursue its own content on Embiid or the broader history of the team.

From “The Process” era to the 2001 Finals run led by Allen Iverson, there are many rich storylines ripe for a Netflix deep dive. The team’s infamous multi-year rebuild strategy, dubbed “The Process,” involved trading away key players and accumulating draft picks to build a future contender.

It brought national attention, both praise and criticism, and turned “Trust the Process” into a rallying cry among fans. The emotional rollercoaster of this era—including missed draft picks, front-office changes, and playoff heartbreaks—would provide the perfect material for a dramatic, emotionally charged documentary.

In a time when Netflix is embracing sports docuseries like The Last Dance, Quarterback, and Formula 1: Drive to Survive, a Philadelphia 76ers documentary could be both timely and captivating. While there’s no official word yet on a 76ers-specific project, the ingredients are all there: history, controversy, star power, and a passionate fan base.

Whether through the lens of past legends, current stars, or franchise-defining moments, the Sixers’ story is one that seems destined for the Netflix spotlight. It’s not a question of “if”—just “when.”