Connecticut Sun WNBA team set for sale to Boston Celtics minority investor for a sum of $325 million, according to Mohegan Tribe.
Connecticut Sun WNBA Team Set for Potential Boston Move
The Connecticut Sun WNBA team is on the brink of a major move, with plans to relocate to Boston by 2027, subject to approval from the WNBA Board of Governors. The proposed acquisition agreement sees Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca purchasing the Sun for a record-breaking $325 million, making it the highest price for a U.S. women's sports franchise.
If the deal goes through, Pagliuca will also invest $100 million in a new practice facility in Boston, providing a strong foundation for the team's future development. The Sun would play home games at TD Garden, although early 2027 games might be played in Providence due to scheduling conflicts.
The move to Boston would place the Sun in a larger media market and a city with a rich basketball culture, potentially expanding the fan base and sponsorship opportunities. However, the move would also mark the end of the team's nearly 25-year presence in Connecticut, where it had become a regional sports fixture and reached four WNBA finals.
For the WNBA, Boston's addition of a franchise aligns with the league's growth strategy into major cities with established NBA teams and strong basketball traditions. This could boost visibility and revenue streams due to Boston's market size. On the other hand, it may lead to alienation of Connecticut fans and a reduction in WNBA presence in smaller markets, sparking debate about balancing expansion with local fan loyalty.
Locally, the loss of the Sun is seen as a setback for sports culture and WNBA fan engagement in Connecticut, as the team had sparked considerable regional interest in women's basketball.
The deal is still in progress, with some reported deadlock or hesitance from the Mohegan Tribe (the former owners). However, the high purchase price and Celtics-led ownership group have made the move seem increasingly probable.
[1] The Associated Press [2] ESPN [3] Sports Illustrated [4] The Hartford Courant
The proposed move of the Connecticut Sun WNBA team to Boston by 2027, if approved, will mark a significant shift in the team's location and potentially expand their fan base, given Boston's large media market and rich basketball culture. This potential relocation may lead to a decrease in WNBA presence in Connecticut, affecting local sports culture and fan engagement.
