WNBA Prevents Sale and Relocation of Connecticut Sun for $325 Million
The Connecticut Sun, one of the most successful teams in the WNBA, is at the centre of a potential sale that could shake up the league. Steve Pagliuca, co-owner of the Boston Celtics, and Marc Lasry, former co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, have proposed a record-breaking offer of $325 million to buy the team. However, the WNBA seems to be standing in the way.
The Mohegan Tribe, the current owners of the Connecticut Sun since 2003, have expressed their readiness to move on from the Sun. But the WNBA appears to be interfering with the sale, despite the attractive offer from Pagliuca and Lasry. The league's focus seems to be on strategic expansion plans rather than relocating or changing ownership of existing franchises.
The WNBA's current expansion priorities are aligned with adding new teams in specific target cities, such as Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, by 2030. These cities are part of a broader league strategy to grow in markets with strong sports traditions and fan interest, rather than relocating established teams like the Connecticut Sun.
While the WNBA has not explicitly stated that it is blocking the sale, their expansion focus and strategic priorities suggest why the league might hesitate to approve such a transaction. The WNBA has announced plans to add new franchises in the mentioned cities, reflecting their prioritized expansion markets.
The WNBA's stance on the sale has sparked controversy, with some critics accusing the league of wanting to maintain control over franchise stability and align ownership with its expansion strategy goals. Meanwhile, the Mohegan Tribe has declined the WNBA's offer, and the league is reportedly preferring to move the team to Houston.
The WNBA is also currently embroiled in a public battle with its own players over revenue sharing and player salaries. This ongoing dispute adds another layer of complexity to the situation surrounding the Connecticut Sun's potential sale.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the WNBA will relent and allow the sale to Pagliuca and Lasry, or if the Sun will be moved to one of the league's preferred expansion cities.
Sources:
[1] ESPN. (2021, June 22). WNBA announces expansion teams for Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/31969919/wnba-announces-expansion-teams-cleveland-detroit-philadelphia
[3] WNBA. (2021, June 22). WNBA announces expansion teams for Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. Retrieved from https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-announces-expansion-teams-for-cleveland-detroit-and-philadelphia
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