WNBA's Connecticut Sun to be bought by Boston Celtics' owner, with intent to move team to Boston, according to a recent report
The Connecticut Sun, a renowned franchise in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), is on the brink of a major move to Boston, Massachusetts. The proposed relocation, which is subject to approval from the WNBA and its Board of Governors, is led by Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca, who has agreed to purchase the team for a record-breaking $325 million[1][2][3].
The potential move would see the Sun playing their home games at TD Garden, a venue they have graced twice over the last two years, selling out the arena on both occasions[6]. However, scheduling conflicts at TD Garden may necessitate the Sun to play some early-season games in Providence, Rhode Island, in 2027[2].
The WNBA has announced Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia as expansion cities in an upcoming wave of growth[7]. The league's Board of Governors, not individual team owners, controls relocation decisions[1]. The move to Boston could potentially represent all of New England[4].
The Mohegan Tribe, the current owners of the Sun, are willing to cooperate with the league if it forces a sale to an in-state buyer[5]. Steve Pagliuca intends to invest $100 million in a new practice facility in Boston[3]. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has expressed her support for a potential WNBA team in Boston, believing it would be beneficial for the city, the WNBA, and the Connecticut Sun[8].
However, the plan could be affected if the league prioritizes keeping the franchise in Connecticut and targets Boston as an expansion site instead[9]. The Sun's successful games in Boston have made the Tribe more inclined to sell the team to a Boston-based ownership group[1]. The success of the deal will depend on navigating the interests and priorities of other cities that had pursued WNBA expansion teams and currently hold priority for future franchises[1].
This potential move would see the Sun travel just over 100 miles away from Connecticut to Boston, Massachusetts. The record $325 million is the highest price tag for a women's sports franchise in U.S. history[1]. The expansion of the WNBA to cities like Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia will unfold over the next five years[7].
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- The Connecticut Sun, currently valued at a record-breaking $325 million, is reportedly on the verge of relocating to Boston, Massachusetts, with the proposed deal led by Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca.
- The Sun, if they were to move, could potentially see themselves playing home games at TD Garden, where they have previously sold out twice over the last two years.
- The relocation of the Sun to Boston could mark all of New England as the WNBA expands its reach and potentially includes cities like Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
- However, the potential move could be impacted if the WNBA prioritizes keeping the franchise in Connecticut and targets Boston for expansion instead, a scenario that would maintain the Sun's presence in Connecticut while still fostering growth in the sports industry.
- The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) expansion to various cities, including Boston, is expected to unfold over the next five years, paving the way for increased representation and engagement in various regions of the United States.
