Mohegan Tribe to Transfer Ownership of WNBA's Connecticut Sun to Boston Celtics Minority Owner for a Whopping $325 Million Dollars
The Connecticut Sun, one of the WNBA's most successful regular-season teams, is on the brink of a significant change. After 22 seasons in Connecticut, the team is likely to relocate to Boston by the 2027 season, subject to approval by the WNBA Board of Governors.
The potential sale of the team to a Celtics-led ownership group, headed by minority Celtics owner Steve Pagliuca, was agreed upon in 2025 for a record $325 million, marking the highest price for a women's sports franchise in U.S. history.
If the deal goes through, the Sun would become the first permanent WNBA team in Boston, playing home games at TD Garden, where they have already played and sold out two games in recent years. Pagliuca plans to invest an additional $100 million in a new practice facility in Boston, indicating a significant commitment to the team's infrastructure and long-term presence in the city.
The move aims to represent all of New England, with Boston promoted as a natural basketball hub in the region. For the Sun, this marks their second franchise relocation since originating as the Orlando Miracle in 1999 and moving to Connecticut in 2002. The move could bring higher market exposure, potentially attracting more fans and sponsorships in the larger Boston metropolitan area.
For the WNBA, the relocation reflects ongoing growth and restructuring aimed at expanding presence in major markets. However, relocating the Sun from Connecticut could impact local fan engagement in the Nutmeg State, where the team has fostered a strong and passionate fan base. Additionally, with ongoing expansion teams entering the league in other cities, the move to Boston aligns with a strategy to place teams in key metropolitan areas but raises questions about balancing expansion with relocation.
In summary, the potential relocation of the Connecticut Sun to Boston promises increased investment and market exposure but also poses challenges related to fan loyalty and regional identity. The move could mark a new era for the Sun, the WNBA, and women's basketball in Boston, but it remains to be seen how the decision will be received by fans and the league alike.
References: 1. ESPN 2. Boston Globe 3. Connecticut Post 4. Hartford Courant 5. The Athletic
The agreement of the potential sale to a Celtics-led ownership group, headed by Steve Pagliuca, would mark the start of a new chapter in the Sun's history. The relocation to Boston, assuming approval from the WNBA Board of Governors, could lead to increased finance and investing in the team, including a new practice facility worth $100 million. If successful, the transition could position the Sun as a significant player in Boston's business landscape, especially with the potential for higher market exposure in the larger metropolitan area. However, the move could lead to decreased fan engagement in Connecticut, highlighting the complexities involved in striking a balance between expansion and relocation within the WNBA.
