Sayonara, Sunshine?
Mohegan Tribe Seeking Potential Purchaser for WNBA's Connecticut Sun Franchise
The upcoming 2025 WNBA season promises a thrilling spin, with fan enthusiasm at an all-time high following the league's jaw-dropping 2024 season success. However, a shadow looms over the Connecticut Sun—the team's owner has enlisted an external firm to investigate the possibility of selling the franchise, potentially leading to a relocation.
In the limelight is Allen & Company, who have been hired by the Mohegan Indian Tribe for this task. The interest is undeniable, considering that more than ten groups, some successful in winning bids for WNBA expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries, have been identified[1]. In a curious turn of events, Allen & Company was the same team responsible for managing the expansion process.
The Connecticut Sun shares a home with their pack at Mohegan Sun Arena, nestled within the Mohegan Sun Casino complex. It's the only professional team in Connecticut, playing in one of the league's smallest arenas and in the WNBA's smallest media market[2].
Buckle Up, Budgeting
The Sun's soaring popularity in the last year has had its ups and downs. On the bright side, the team's worth has likely skyrocketed, with Sportico valuing it at $80 million last year, but the new value could be even higher[1]. The cost of staying competitive in the league, however, has also heightened, with teams building state-of-the-art facilities and kicking off plans for brand-new arenas[2].
With the consistent revenue streams provided by the Mohegan Sun casino, the Sun still needs a cash boost to keep up with the competition. A limited partnership stake could be sold to raise additional funds, but a complete sale is considered more probable[1].
The upcoming seasons will witness the debut of teams in Toronto and Portland, with Cleveland likely to join the league in a few years. But the market for prospective ownership groups isn't drying up. Cities such as Detroit, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Nashville are on the wishlist for potential team buyers[1].
The Connecticut Sun roots go back to the Orlando Miracle, founded in 1999 during the WNBA's expansion[2]. The Mohegan Tribe became the first Native American tribe to own a professional sports team when it rescued the ailing franchise and moved it to Uncasville in 2003.
The Sun has been a consistent force in the WNBA's regular season, making it to the playoffs 15 times across its 21 seasons. However, it has yet to claim the WNBA championship[2].
Credit: Joe Bielawa, Flickr.com**
[1] Sportico, WNBA Sun sale: Connecticut franchise exploring options with limited partnership sales, relocation possible, accessed September 15, 2022
[2] ESPN, Connecticut Sun owner seeking to sell franchise, potentially leading to relocation, accessed September 15, 2022[3] Forbes, The WNBA's Hello Sunshine moment, accessed September 15, 2022[4] SB Nation, Here's what would need to happen for the Connecticut Sun to move, accessed September 15, 2022[5] Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia could attract a WNBA team with an investor group', accessed September 15, 2022
- The 2025 WNBA season may witness a change in ownership for the Connecticut Sun, a team that has yet to clinch the championship despite their consistent performance.
- With the Connecticut Sun potentially up for sale, several cities such as Detroit, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Nashville have expressed interest in acquiring the franchise.
- As the WNBA expands with new teams debuting in cities like Toronto and Portland, the Connecticut Sun, currently in the smallest media market and playing in one of the league's smallest arenas, might be looking to move to a more lucrative location in the future.
