A significant shift is underway in the professional women’s basketball landscape, as reports indicate the Connecticut Sun WNBA team has been sold to a group spearheaded by Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca. This acquisition, valued at a record-setting sum, carries the explicit intention of relocating the team to Boston, potentially as early as the 2027 season, marking a pivotal moment for the league and its fan base.
The reported sale price for the Connecticut Sun stands at an unprecedented $325 million, an eye-catching figure that surpasses previous valuations in the WNBA. Furthermore, the purchasing group, led by Pagliuca, has committed an additional $100 million towards the development of a state-of-the-art, team-specific practice facility in Boston, underscoring a substantial investment in the franchise’s future infrastructure and operational capabilities.
Despite the ownership’s clear intentions, any potential WNBA relocation of the Connecticut Sun requires formal approval from the WNBA Board of Governors, rather than being a unilateral decision by individual teams. The league recently concluded an expansion process, awarding new franchises to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, while actively considering nine other cities that previously applied. Interestingly, Boston was not among the cities that submitted formal applications during this recent expansion phase, granting priority to those who did extensive preparatory work.
The motivation behind the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority’s (MTGA) decision to explore a sale of the Connecticut Sun stemmed from significant financial pressures. With a total debt amounting to $3.1 billion, and over $470 million maturing in the 2025 fiscal year, the parent company was actively seeking investment opportunities, ranging from partial stakes to a full franchise sale, to address its substantial liabilities.
Beyond financial considerations, the team’s on-court performance and infrastructure challenges in Connecticut also played a role in the broader context of the sale. Under new leadership, the Sun recorded their worst start to a season, and internal assessments revealed concerns about the organization’s infrastructure, notably the absence of a dedicated practice facility. The team currently utilizes shared spaces within the Mohegan Sun Arena or the Mohegan Tribal Community and Government Center, often encountering conflicts with public events.
Steve Pagliuca, a prominent figure in the business world, is the former co-chairman of Bain Capital and currently owns the Italian Serie A football club Atalanta. His long-standing interest in sports ownership is evident through his minority stake in the Boston Celtics since 2002. This acquisition represents another significant foray into professional sports for the experienced financier, further diversifying his portfolio.
Interestingly, the prospect of a WNBA team moving to Boston has garnered support even from within the Connecticut Sun’s roster. Rookie Saniya Rivers openly endorsed a potential relocation to Boston earlier in the season, citing the city’s appeal, amenities, and its potential positive impact on women’s basketball as a whole. Such sentiments highlight a growing desire for improved facilities and market engagement within the league.
The reported $325 million sale price is a considerable victory for the MTGA, especially when compared to the $250 million expansion fees paid by new WNBA franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This valuation signals the escalating financial appeal of women’s professional sports and potentially sets a new benchmark for future WNBA franchise sales, underscoring the league’s burgeoning economic trajectory.
Tracing its origins, the Connecticut Sun began as the Orlando Miracle, moving to Connecticut in 2003 after being purchased by the Mohegan Tribe. This historic acquisition made the Sun not only the WNBA’s first independently-owned franchise but also the pioneering instance of a Native American Tribe owning a professional American sports team, establishing a unique legacy within the sports landscape.
