Boston is on the precipice of a monumental shift in its renowned sports landscape, with fervent hopes rising that the Women’s National Basketball Association will soon welcome a new franchise to the city. Recent reports have ignited considerable excitement among fans and civic leaders alike, signaling a significant expansion for women’s professional sports in New England.
At the heart of this groundbreaking development is a record-setting bid led by Steve Pagliuca, a prominent minority owner of the Boston Celtics. His group has reportedly offered an unprecedented $325 million to acquire the Connecticut Sun, a long-established WNBA franchise, with the explicit intention of relocating the team to Massachusetts.
The move would cement Boston’s status as a premier hub for athletic excellence, building upon its rich history as the birthplace of basketball. Supporters emphasize the city’s vibrant sports culture and its demonstrated enthusiasm for women’s athletics, evidenced by the Connecticut Sun’s impressive two consecutive sellouts at TD Garden. This potential acquisition is seen as a strategic opportunity for the state, the WNBA League, and the players themselves.
The prospect of a Boston-based WNBA team has been met with overwhelming approval from local basketball enthusiasts. Fans gathered outside TD Garden expressed their excitement, articulating a shared sentiment that Boston, with its deep-seated love for sports, is long overdue for a women’s professional basketball presence.
Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell has emerged as a vocal proponent of the initiative, actively encouraging constituents to lobby the WNBA for the team’s approval. Worrell, alongside many others, harbors strong optimism that this landmark deal will successfully navigate the league’s approval process, recognizing the immense potential for growth and engagement.
Worrell further underscored the powerful voice of Boston’s supporters, stating, “We heard from many, many fans here in Boston that want the ‘W’ here in the city. We have the best fan base in the country so I wouldn’t see why the WNBA would not approve this.” His words reflect a collective belief in the city’s capacity to embrace and elevate a professional women’s basketball franchise.
However, the transition is not yet complete. The proposed sale remains contingent upon the official approval of the WNBA League and its Board of Governors. Even with a successful ratification, fans will need to exercise patience, as the earliest a relocated franchise could begin playing in Boston is projected to be the 2027 season.
Despite the waiting period, the resolve among advocates remains high. Councilor Worrell’s impassioned plea, “I hope the league hears us loud and clear; we have a record deal. Let’s get this deal done, and hopefully the sun will rise in Boston,” encapsulates the widespread anticipation and the collective aspiration for this significant addition to the Boston sports landscape. This move promises to usher in a new era for women’s professional basketball in the region.
