Rising star Joel Embiid is printing money for 76ers franchise

The Sixers are still a ways away from playoff contention, (don’t listen to Joel Embiid, they are) and with Ben Simmons close but still sidelined, most of the time the 76ers’ line up is comprised of their star rookie Embiid and four player no one really cares about.

But that fifth player — the presumptive NBA Rookie of the Year and a possible All-Star starter — has been putting the Sixers back on the map in Philly and all over the world.

Last year, the Sixers (who finished 10-72) averaged14,881 fans per game over 41 home games for a73.2 percent capacity — the second worst in the NBA.This year, with Joel Embiid playing (most) home games, the Sixers have welcomed nearly 10 percent more fans per contest and have sold82.9 of tickets. In fact, various sources suggest it’s the highest attendance the Sixers have had since Allen Iverson last played in Philly.

The team is making cash in other ways too. According the sports merchandise website Fanatics, theSixers are the fourth-best selling NBA team in total merchandise sales andEmbiid has the fifth best-selling player in the past seven days.

Not more than two years ago, the Sixers’ TV ratings were characterized with being “embarrassingly low.” This year, with Embiidthey are can’t-miss television. The Sixershad yet another game flexed to national coverage, as Philly’s Jan. 27th home game against the Rockets was moved back an hour to 8 p.m. for broadcast on ESPN (bumping the Bulls-Heat game from that slot). They had zero nationally televised games a season ago.

Things are looking up and will likely only get better. Get your season tickets now.