The WNBA team might relocate to Boston, with fan suggestions already featured in Athlon Sports. Recently, the WNBA has seen a notable increase in ticket sales, TV ratings, merchandise sales, and overall fan engagement, drawing significant investor interest either through new expansion teams or by purchasing existing ones.
This interest materialized on Saturday when Boston Grove, led by Steve Pagliuca, a minority owner of the Boston Celtics, agreed to buy the Connecticut Sun for a record $325 million. Following league approval, Pagliuca is expected to move the team from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, to Boston by 2027. However, the league has also expressed interest in opening Boston as an expansion city in 2033.
The news has generated mixed reactions among fans on social media. Some expressed excitement, with comments like “Yes sirrrrrr!!!!!” and “Finally,” while others felt sympathy for Connecticut, noting the rich history and impact the Sun had locally, especially regarding former UConn women’s basketball stars.
The Connecticut Sun originated as the Orlando Miracle in 1999 but were purchased by the Mohegan tribe and relocated to Uncasville in 2003, marking the first time a Native American tribe owned a professional sports franchise. The Sun have reached the WNBA Finals four times but are yet to secure a championship. Recently, the team has struggled due to its small market size of just around 11,060 people, making it difficult to attract top players and expand its fanbase.
In response to these challenges, the Mohegans started exploring a sale in May, hiring Allen & Company to manage the process, which led to the agreement with Pagliuca a few months later.
As the WNBA gears up for a new wave of growth, several major cities are preparing to join the league. This season marks the beginning of the most ambitious expansion phase, featuring the San Francisco-based Golden State Valkyries in their inaugural season and four more teams planned for Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030).
Fan Take: The possible move of the Connecticut Sun to Boston is a significant moment for WNBA fans, symbolizing the league’s growing appeal and financial strength. It could elevate the sport’s visibility and competitiveness, though it’s bittersweet for the Connecticut community that has long supported the Sun.
