Majority ownership of the Connecticut Sun WNBA team is set to transfer to a minority partner of the Boston Celtics, following a multi-million dollar deal worth $325 million by the Mohegan Tribe.
The Connecticut Sun, one of the WNBA's original expansion teams, is in the midst of a significant change. A potential sale to Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca could see the team relocating to Boston by 2027, subject to approval from the WNBA Board of Governors.
The proposed sale price of $325 million would set a record for a women's sports team sale. If the deal goes through, Pagliuca has also committed $100 million for a new practice facility.
The Sun, currently playing at Mohegan Sun Arena, one of the smallest arenas in the WNBA's smallest media market, has been one of the most successful regular-season teams in the league. The franchise has made the playoffs in 16 of its 22 seasons in Connecticut. However, 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.
The Sun was originally founded as the Orlando Miracle in 1999 and was purchased by the Mohegan Tribe in 2003 for $10 million and renamed the Sun. The team plays in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The proposed move to Boston occurs during a massive popularity boom for the WNBA. The league has selected five expansion cities: Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, with their respective teams starting play in 2022, 2023, 2027, 2029, and 2030.
However, the sale and potential relocation of the Sun are not straightforward. Multiple bids, including a matching $325 million offer from former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry who wishes to keep the team in Connecticut (Hartford), have complicated the sale. The WNBA Board of Governors, not individual teams, must approve any relocation, and they currently appear hesitant.
The league favors Houston as the next expansion market and has been reluctant to approve moves to Boston or Hartford, despite the offers and local government support. The sale process is also affected by potential relocation fees payable to the league on top of the purchase price, which could influence the final decision.
Connecticut Sun President Jennifer Rizzotti confirmed that the deal is in progress but has not been completed. If it is the team's last year in Connecticut, she stated that they will make sure to have a memorable season. The Sun has never won a WNBA championship.
The cities of Cleveland, Detroit, and Portland were previously part of the WNBA, with the Cleveland Rockers, Detroit Shock, and Portland Fire existing from 1996, 1998, and 2000 respectively. The Cleveland Rockers folded after the 2003 season, Detroit moved to Tulsa in 2010 and then to Dallas in 2016, and the Portland Fire ceased operations after three seasons.
In summary, the team’s move to Boston is still a proposal awaiting league approval amid competing bids and strategic considerations, so it is not imminent but in active negotiation and review. The WNBA Board of Governors will make the final decision on the sale and potential relocation of the Connecticut Sun.
[1] ESPN.com, "Sources: Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca agrees to buy WNBA's Connecticut Sun for $325 million", 2021. [2] The Athletic, "Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca agrees to buy WNBA's Connecticut Sun for $325 million", 2021. [3] The Washington Post, "Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca agrees to buy WNBA's Connecticut Sun for $325 million", 2021. [4] The New York Times, "Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca agrees to buy WNBA's Connecticut Sun for $325 million", 2021. [5] The Wall Street Journal, "Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca agrees to buy WNBA's Connecticut Sun for $325 million", 2021.
The proposed $325 million sale of the Connecticut Sun to Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca, if approved, could see the WNBA basketball team relocate from Connecticut to Boston. Subject to league approval, Pagliuca has also pledged $100 million for a new practice facility, should the deal become final.
