Connecticut Sun WNBA team to be acquired by Boston Celtics minority owner for $325 million, as per the Moorehegan Tribe's announcement.
The Connecticut Sun, one of the WNBA's original expansion teams, is on the brink of a significant change. The Mohegan Tribe, who purchased the team in 2003 for $10 million and renamed it the Sun after their Mohegan Sun casino, are reportedly close to selling the franchise to Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca for a record-breaking $325 million[1][2][3].
If the sale is finalized, the Sun may move to Boston and play home games at TD Garden, where they have sold out games in recent years[2]. Pagliuca has committed $100 million for a new practice facility for the team, should the deal go through.
However, the move is not yet confirmed. The sale has hit delays, and competing bids, including a strong Houston alternative supported by the league, have emerged, complicating the relocation decision[3]. The WNBA Board of Governors and the commissioner still need to approve the sale, with a relocation fee playing a crucial role in the negotiation process[3].
The potential move could end Connecticut's era as a WNBA city, erasing a team that has grown the sport's profile in the region and reached four WNBA finals since arriving in Connecticut in 2002[1]. For the WNBA, this sale and relocation could set a new benchmark for franchise valuations and influence broader league expansion and relocation policies[3].
Despite playing in one of the smallest markets, the Sun has been one of the most successful regular-season teams in the league, making the playoffs in 16 of its 22 seasons in Connecticut. The team is currently in a significant rebuilding phase, with a record of 5-22 after losing all five starters from last year's team. If it is the last year in Connecticut, they will make sure to have a memorable season, according to President Jennifer Rizzotti[1].
The WNBA has selected five expansion cities: Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, with the teams starting play in the respective years of 2023, 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2030[1]. The league is experiencing a massive popularity boom, leading to this expansion. Three of the selected cities, Cleveland, Detroit, and Portland, had previous WNBA franchises: the Cleveland Rockers, Detroit Shock, and Portland Fire, which all ceased operations after various seasons.
[1] ESPN.com, "Mohegan Tribe close to selling WNBA's Connecticut Sun to Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca for $325 million, sources say", August 2025.
[2] Boston Globe, "Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca reportedly set to buy Connecticut Sun for $325 million", August 2025.
[3] Sports Illustrated, "Houston emerges as strong alternative to Boston in Connecticut Sun sale and potential relocation", August 2025.
The potential sale of the Connecticut Sun to Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca for a record-breaking $325 million might lead to a shift in location, with the team potentially moving to Boston and playing games at TD Garden. If approved, the sale could have significant implications for the WNBA, setting a new benchmark for franchise valuations and possibly influencing future expansion and relocation policies.
