Majority transfer of WNBA's Connecticut Sun franchise completed for an eye-watering $325 million, as per confidential sources. Boston Celtics co-owner secures the sale.
CT Sun's Proposed Move to Boston Awaits WNBA Board Approval
The Connecticut Sun, currently struggling in the WNBA with a 5-21 record, is on the brink of a significant change. A group led by Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca has agreed to buy the Sun for a record-breaking $325 million, with plans to relocate the team to Boston pending approval from the WNBA's Board of Governors.
The Sun, the first WNBA franchise to be owned by a non-NBA entity, was purchased by the Mohegan Tribe for $10 million in 2003 and relocated from Orlando that year. Since then, despite practicing with limited facilities, the Sun have been one of the most successful teams in the league, making the postseason in 16 seasons.
The WNBA has announced five expansion teams: Portland (2026), Toronto (2026), Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030). However, the league has not yet decided on a team for Boston. The prospective ownership team has reached out to the league office and asked for strong consideration.
The Sun have not announced any plans for a new training facility. Steve Pagliuca has pledged to contribute $100 million towards a new practice facility in Boston for the team. The team is not expected to play in Boston until the 2027 season.
The Mohegan Tribe is currently involved in the vetting process of the prospective new owners, ensuring the best interests of both the team and the league are considered. Factors such as loyal fan bases, market viability, and player perspectives are all taken into account.
It's worth noting that the WNBA's process for approving the relocation and sale of teams is determined by the WNBA Board of Governors. Cities submitting expansion bids receive priority over relocation to Boston, and there is precedent for the league preferring to add an expansion team in Boston in the future rather than relocate an existing franchise.
The last WNBA team to be sold was the Atlanta Dream in 2021 for under $10 million. In contrast, the Connecticut Sun became the first WNBA team to turn a profit.
The Boston Globe first reported the sale, marking a new chapter for the Connecticut Sun. The Sun's potential move to Boston is a testament to the growing interest in women's basketball and the WNBA. As we await the decision of the WNBA Board of Governors, the future of the Sun looks promising.
[1] WNBA's Process for Approving Team Sales and Relocations [2] Steve Pagliuca Agrees to Buy Connecticut Sun for Record $325 Million [3] WNBA Announces Five Expansion Teams [4] Mohegan Tribe Sells Connecticut Sun Franchise [5] Boston Globe Reports Connecticut Sun to be Sold to Steve Pagliuca
- The Connecticut Sun, currently playing basketball in the WNBA, could soon be moving from their current location to Boston, given that the proposed sale to Steve Pagliuca, minority owner of the Boston Celtics, is awaiting approval from the WNBA Board of Governors.
- As part of the planned move, Steve Pagliuca has pledged to invest $100 million towards a new practice facility in Boston for the Sun, potentially making their transition to the city of Boston's basketball scene a significant upgrade.
