The landscape of professional basketball is abuzz with significant news concerning the potential relocation of a WNBA franchise to Boston, a move sparked by the monumental sale of the Connecticut Sun. This development, involving a staggering $325 million deal, has ignited discussions about the future geographical footprint of one of the league’s most established teams.
Reports indicate that the Mohegan Tribe, current owners of the Connecticut Sun, have agreed to sell the team to a consortium led by Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca. This record-setting transaction is reportedly contingent on a planned relocation to Boston, with ambitions for the team to commence playing at TD Garden as early as the 2027 season, subject to crucial league approval. Pagliuca’s commitment also includes a proposed $100 million investment in a state-of-the-art practice facility should the relocation materialize.
Such a significant shift would see one of the WNBA’s historically successful franchises make a new home. The Connecticut Sun, who currently play at the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena, have previously tested the Boston market with two regular-season games at TD Garden. Both events remarkably sold out, drawing crowds exceeding 19,000 fans and unequivocally demonstrating a robust Boston sports fan interest in women’s basketball.
Amidst the swirling speculation, the WNBA has issued an official statement clarifying the protocols surrounding such a monumental decision. The league emphasized that “Relocation decisions are made by the WNBA Board of Governors and not by individual teams,” asserting central authority over franchise movements, particularly concerning team relocation. This highlights the rigorous approval process required for any such major structural change.
Furthermore, the WNBA’s statement addressed its recent expansion efforts, which saw new franchises awarded to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. The league noted that nine additional cities had actively applied for WNBA teams during this process and remain under “active consideration,” holding priority due to their extensive preparatory work. Notably, Boston did not submit a formal bid during this specific expansion cycle.
The current WNBA expansion timeline outlines new teams debuting in Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. Preceding these, Toronto and Portland are already slated to join the league in 2026, contributing to an impressive 18-team league by 2030. Boston’s absence from the recent formal expansion order means any potential WNBA team hinges significantly on the Board of Governors approving the Connecticut Sun’s proposed relocation.
The sentiment for a Boston WNBA team has also resonated deeply within the league’s player community. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who recently played in Boston, openly expressed her belief that the city’s basketball fans deserve a home team. Her public plea underscores the perceived demand and potential for a thriving WNBA presence in the region.
The unfolding narrative surrounding the Connecticut Sun’s sale and the proposed team relocation to Boston underscores a pivotal moment for the WNBA. It highlights both the burgeoning interest in women’s basketball and the complex, multi-layered processes involved in expanding and realigning professional sports franchises. The final decision awaits the WNBA Board of Governors, shaping the league’s future landscape.