Mohegan Mulls Over WNBA's Connecticut Sun Sale
May 14, 2025, 11:41h.
Mohegan Tribe Allegedly Exploring Sale of WNBA's Connecticut Sun Basketball Franchise
Last updated on: May 14, 2025, 11:52h.
Written by: Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO
Topics covered: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics, WNBA
The Mohegan Tribe, known for its gaming and hospitality empire, could be shaking up the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) scene by selling their long-held team, the Connecticut Sun. Financially strained after a rocky investment in South Korea, the tribe has snapped up investment bank Allen & Company to sniff out potential buyers for the basketball franchise[1][3].
Mohegan's history with the Sun dates back to 2003 when the team was purchased from the Orlando Magic for $10 million and shifted to its 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena[2][4].
Some might think it's a risky move for the Sun, who enjoyed a string of eight consecutive WNBA playoff appearancesbut have struggled to make it back to the Eastern Conference Finals since their WNBA debut in 2003. The team, unfortunately, came up short in their Eastern Conference title attempts in 2004 and 2005, despite capturing the title in only their second season[3].
Elevated WNBA Valuations
The allure of professional basketball isn't lost on the Mohegan Tribe, even with their financial headaches. With the influx of interest in women's sports due to factors like the Caitlin Clark effect and expanded sports betting options, WNBA team valuations have skyrocketed[3].
As of last year, Sportico pegged the Connecticut Sun's valuation at $80 million, barely outranking the Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream[4]. However, other teams like the Las Vegas Aces lead the pack with a staggering $140 million value[3].
The Connecticut Sun's attendance numbers, typically around 8,451 fans per game, ranked ninth among the league[1]. But with the excitement surrounding women's basketball, the potential new owner could find plenty of revenue-generating opportunities.
The Sun's players might also see the move as a chance for fresh momentum. Tribe-related mishaps, such as renting out half the practice court for a two-year-old's birthday party just before the team's playoff game, left some Sun players exasperated[3].
Ripe for the Picking
Mohegan's struggling finances and the surging appeal of the WNBA create the perfect storm for attractive buyout offers[1][3]. Teams like the Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment group have expressed interest in an expansion team, possibly in Philadelphia[3].
It's important to note that the average WNBA team is valued at $96 million, a far cry from the $4.7 billion valuation of the average NBA franchise[3].
The 2025 WNBA season kicks off on May 14, bringing new opportunities for the Sun's next owner. Whether the team remains in Uncasville, moves to look for greener pastures in Pennsylvania, or ends up somewhere else altogether, it seems that a new chapter is on the horizon for the WNBA's Connecticut Sun.
- The Mohegan Tribe, famed for their gaming and hospitality empire, are considering selling their Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team, the Connecticut Sun.
- The decision comes after financial difficulties due to a rocky investment in South Korea, leading the tribe to seek potential buyers, with investment bank Allen & Company enlisted for the task.
- The Connecticut Sun, who have had eight consecutive WNBA playoff appearances but have yet to return to the Eastern Conference Finals since their debut in 2003, might be looking for fresh momentum.
- Despite their struggles, the allure of professional basketball, bolstered by factors like the Caitlin Clark effect and expanded sports betting options, has inflated WNBA team valuations.
- Last year, Sportico valued the Connecticut Sun at $80 million, barely outranking the Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream, but other teams like the Las Vegas Aces lead the pack with a $140 million value.
- The potential new owner could find numerous revenue-generating opportunities with the Sun's typical attendance of 8,451 fans per game.
- Teams like the Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment group have shown interest in an expansion team, possibly in Philadelphia, making the WNBA's Connecticut Sun ripe for attractive buyout offers in the current climate.
