One of the biggest uncertainties surrounding the Connecticut Sun franchise is where they will be playing in the upcoming season. Various bids from cities including Houston, Boston, and Hartford have surfaced, but no final decision has been made. However, the team’s recently released schedule offers clues about a possible new home.
The Sun appears to be moving towards Hartford, Connecticut, where the Yukon Huskies have historically attracted thousands of fans in the province. Although the team currently plays at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, this location is not a true city and is somewhat difficult to reach, potentially limiting fan attendance. Shifting a few games just 30 minutes away to Hartford, the state capital with easier access, could help fill more seats.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont recently visited the freshly renovated People’s Bank Arena (formerly the XL Center), which will host some of the Sun’s games this season after undergoing upgrades. One standout event is on Thursday, July 2nd, when the Sun will face the Dallas Wings and the Paige Buccaneers in the same arena— a familiar venue for the Buccaneers and beloved by many fans in Connecticut. If the arena’s capacity matches that of Mohegan Sun, it could result in a sizable turnout. Additionally, the Wings, who will be playing in Hartford as well, recently selected college star Azi Fudd, which could be an exciting storyline for attendees.
There is speculation that after experimenting with a few games in Hartford, the Sun might secure a permanent stay within Connecticut.
Meanwhile, the Sun will also be playing in Boston for the third year running, specifically at TD Garden, home of the Celtics. On August 18th, they will compete against the Los Angeles Sparks, marking another game against a team also scheduled for Hartford. Over the past two years, the Sun has managed to consistently sell out games in Boston. This success at TD Garden reinforces the idea that fan interest is strong—it’s the accessibility and location that matter. Boston, dubbed “Title Town,” provides easier access for metropolitan fans eager to support women’s basketball.
Performing in larger arenas like TD Garden allows the Sun to reach a much broader audience, highlighting the need for a more permanent and spacious home venue. Crowded arenas with capacities above 10,000 send a powerful message that women’s sports are being widely watched and embraced.
Using these venues strategically is crucial for the team’s relocation efforts. It’s a valuable opportunity not just to grow the fan base for the Sun but also to elevate women’s basketball and women’s sports more broadly.
Fan Take: This potential move is a pivotal moment for Connecticut Sun fans and the WNBA at large, signaling a push toward greater accessibility and visibility for women’s basketball. Finding a larger, more central home could massively boost attendance and help grow the sport’s following in a critical market.
