Connecticut governor vigorously battling to preserve Sun's presence in the state amidst the attempt to buy and shift the sports team to Boston.
The Connecticut Sun's future location remains uncertain as two competing groups vie for ownership of the WNBA team. Steve Pagliuca, a minority owner of the Boston Celtics, has agreed to buy the Sun from the Mohegan Tribe for a record $325 million, with plans to relocate the team to Boston starting in 2027. This move includes playing at TD Garden and a $100 million practice facility.
However, a local group led by former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry is preparing a bid above $300 million to keep the Sun in Hartford, potentially using the PeoplesBank Arena as home and including a dedicated practice facility. Hartford's mayor is also working with investors to keep the team in the state, citing strong local fan support.
The Mohegan Tribe, which has owned the team since relocating it from Orlando in 2003, has promised to keep the team in Connecticut through at least the 2026 season. Connecticut Sun president Jennifer Rizzotti has affirmed that the sale is “not quite at the finish line” and the team will play in Connecticut in 2026, while season ticket renewals are underway.
Gov. Ned Lamont has stated that the state will be "fighting like heck" to keep the Sun from relocating. He emphasized that Connecticut is the home of women's basketball, with the UConn Huskies dominating the sport for decades. To support this effort, Lamont is making efforts to secure local corporate support.
The PeoplesBank Arena is currently undergoing a $138 million renovation, making it a potential new home arena for the Sun. However, other cities are reportedly higher on the priority list for landing a WNBA team.
It's important to note that the WNBA's Board of Governors, not individual teams, makes decisions regarding relocation. The board has not yet made a decision on the Sun's sale or potential relocation, retaining final authority on any such moves.
Both Steve Pagliuca and the Connecticut Sun have stated that a deal has not been finalized. A local ownership group has made an offer that's close to Pagliuca's bid, adding another layer of competition to the race to secure the Sun.
Despite the ongoing efforts, the Sun's current facilities are among the worst in the WNBA. The team practices at a local community center, and their arena is one of the smallest in the league. A new owner would need to commit to building a state-of-the-art practice facility to keep the Sun in Connecticut.
As the deadline for a decision approaches, both Boston and Hartford are gearing up for a fierce battle to secure the Sun. The future of the team hangs in the balance, with the WNBA Board of Governors set to make a decision that will shape the landscape of women's basketball in Connecticut.
[1] The Connecticut Mirror [2] The Hartford Courant [3] The Day [4] ESPN
- The ongoing battle for ownership of the Connecticut Sun has sparked heated news coverage across various sports outlets, with reports from The Connecticut Mirror, The Hartford Courant, The Day, and ESPN.
- Despite Steve Pagliuca's proposed sale of the Sun to Boston for a record $325 million, local efforts to keep the team in Hartford continue, led by former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry.
- As the WNBA Board of Governors prepares to make a decision on the Sun's sale and potential relocation, both Boston and Hartford are making significant strides to ensure their city becomes the new home of the basketball team, with Hartford focusing on renovating the PeoplesBank Arena and Connecticut emphasizing local fan support.
