Boston-based minority owner of the NBA's Boston Celtics to acquire WNBA's Connecticut Sun team from the Mohegan Tribe for an estimated $325 million deal.
The WNBA's Connecticut Sun, a fixture in Connecticut sports since 2003, is on the brink of a significant change. The team is reportedly set to relocate to Boston in 2027, subject to approval from the league's Board of Governors. This decision follows an agreement for Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca to purchase the team for a record-breaking $325 million[1][2].
The potential move brings about several implications:
- Market expansion and regional representation: With Boston as the regional hub for basketball, the relocated team would represent all of New England, potentially increasing its fan base and media exposure[1].
- Facilities and home venue: The Sun would play home games at Boston's TD Garden and benefit from a new $100 million practice facility funded by Pagliuca. Early 2027 home games may temporarily take place in Providence due to scheduling conflicts at TD Garden[2].
- Impact on Connecticut: The relocation could be a significant loss for Connecticut sports fans, potentially reducing local interest and investment in women’s basketball. However, the Sun has sparked notable enthusiasm since moving to the state, and the team's legacy will remain[1].
- WNBA league growth: Boston gaining a WNBA franchise under NBA ownership could bolster league stability and visibility, given Boston’s strong sports market and the Celtics' resources. However, it also reflects the ongoing trend of franchise moves for strategic business growth[2].
The Sun, currently in a significant rebuilding phase with a record of 5-22 after losing all five starters from last year's team, may move to Boston if the deal with Pagliuca is completed. Connecticut Sun President Jennifer Rizzotti confirmed that the deal is in progress but not yet finalized[3].
The Sun plays at Mohegan Sun Arena, one of the smallest arenas and in the smallest media market in the league[4]. Three of the expansion cities (Cleveland, Detroit, and Portland) had WNBA franchises previously, with the Cleveland Rockers, Detroit Shock, and Portland Fire all folding or relocating[5].
The WNBA is currently experiencing a massive popularity boom, leading to league expansion. The sale of the Connecticut Sun to Pagliuca is pending approval from the WNBA Board of Governors[6]. If approved, the move would mark a major shift for the team and the WNBA, balancing regional sports business opportunities with the challenge of maintaining fan loyalty in Connecticut[1][2].
[1] ESPN.com [2] The Boston Globe [3] Hartford Courant [4] Forbes [5] WNBA.com [6] SportsBusiness Journal
- The potential move of the Connecticut Sun to Boston could bolster the WNBA's presence in a strong sports market, leveraging resources from the Boston Celtics' ownership and expanding regional representation.
- The new ownership by Steve Pagliuca, with a record-breaking $325 million purchase, would enable the Sun to upgrade their facilities, playing home games at the TD Garden and constructing a new $100 million practice facility.
- The relocation of the Connecticut Sun, a staple in Connecticut sports since 2003, could have implications for local interest and investment in women's basketball, potentially impacting sports fans in the area.
