In a landmark development set to reshape the landscape of professional basketball, a consortium spearheaded by Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca has reached an agreement to acquire the Connecticut Sun from the Mohegan Tribe for a staggering $325 million. This unprecedented transaction establishes a new record for the highest valuation ever recorded for a WNBA franchise, signaling a robust and growing interest in women’s professional sports. The deal, which remains subject to approval by both the WNBA and the league’s governors, has sent ripples across the league and its dedicated fan base.
Steve Pagliuca, a prominent figure in the sports investment world due to his association with the Boston Celtics, is leading the group behind this significant WNBA team sale. His involvement underscores a strategic move to potentially expand his influence within professional sports, particularly into the rapidly ascending WNBA market. The substantial investment reflects not only the intrinsic value of the Connecticut Sun but also the increasing financial viability and appeal of women’s basketball on a national and global scale.
A critical component of this acquisition, and perhaps the most talked-about aspect, is the potential relocation of the Connecticut Sun to Boston by the 2027 season. Alongside the purchase, the acquiring group has also pledged a substantial $100 million investment earmarked for the construction of a cutting-edge new practice facility within the Boston area. This dual commitment suggests a long-term vision for embedding the franchise deeply within the Boston sports ecosystem, aiming to cultivate a strong local following for professional basketball news.
However, the prospect of Connecticut Sun relocation is not without its complexities, as clarified by an official statement from the WNBA. The league emphasized that “Relocation decisions are made by the WNBA Board of Governors and not by individual teams.” This crucial distinction highlights the centralized authority governing such significant moves, ensuring that any potential change of venue aligns with the league’s broader strategic objectives and market considerations.
The WNBA’s statement further elaborated on its recent expansion initiatives, which saw new franchises awarded to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia on June 30, 2025. This process was highly competitive, with nine additional cities actively vying for consideration and remaining under review for future expansion. The league’s ongoing evaluation process for these established candidates plays a significant role in any future relocation or expansion decisions.
Notably, the WNBA confirmed that “No groups from Boston applied for a team at that time,” during the most recent expansion phase. Consequently, those other cities that did submit applications and underwent extensive groundwork as part of the expansion process currently maintain priority over Boston for a WNBA franchise. This prioritisation suggests a structured approach by the league to reward cities that have already demonstrated commitment through formal applications.
Despite Boston’s current lower priority in the formal expansion queue, there remains a strong local interest. Bill Chisholm, a prospective owner with ties to the Boston Celtics’ organization, has reportedly reached out to the league office, advocating for Boston to receive “strong consideration for a WNBA franchise at the appropriate time.” This engagement signals a continued push from Boston’s sports leadership to secure a team, irrespective of the current acquisition and potential Connecticut Sun relocation.
This major WNBA team sale and the accompanying discussions around potential relocation underscore a pivotal moment for women’s professional basketball, highlighting its growing economic influence and the strategic decisions shaping its future footprint across North American cities. The narrative continues to unfold, with league approvals and further developments anticipated as this record-setting deal progresses, impacting the future of the WNBA and its dedicated fanbase, particularly regarding the prospect of a new professional basketball presence in Boston.
