WNBA's Connecticut Sun is set for a new owner as Boston Celtics proprietor reaches agreement for purchase, aiming to shift team's base to Boston, according to a recent report.
Connecticut Sun's Potential Move to Boston Faces Hurdles
The Connecticut Sun's successful games in Boston have sparked interest in a potential move to the city, but the WNBA's expansion process presents significant challenges.
Steve Pagliuca, a minority governor of the Boston Celtics, has agreed to purchase the Sun for a record-breaking $325 million. This potential move, part of a larger acquisition, would see the franchise relocate just over 100 miles away to Massachusetts.
However, the WNBA has nine additional cities under active consideration for expansion, including Boston. Yet, no group from Boston applied in the last expansion process, making the city's priority lower at this time compared to the other cities under consideration.
The WNBA's Board of Governors, not individual teams, makes relocation decisions. The Board, under NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s jurisdiction, is reportedly set to reject any relocation to Boston (or Hartford) due to the cities not participating in the recent expansion application process. The league is committed to honoring its expansion procedure and priorities.
The league's expansion priorities and fees are another hurdle. Relocating a franchise might complicate financial and territorial rights tied to the cities with priority for expansion.
The Sun's potential move could also disrupt the strategic plans of the current owner, Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, who has financial challenges. The league shows reluctance to allow a move that might force the existing Connecticut market out prematurely.
Connecticut's governor is lobbying to keep the team or relocate it within the state, but this is complicated by the league's stance and competing interests from strong Boston investment groups.
If the league prioritizes keeping the Connecticut Sun in Connecticut and targets Boston as an expansion site instead, it could affect the Sun's potential move to Boston. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has expressed support for the potential move, stating it would be great for Boston, the WNBA, and the Connecticut Sun.
The WNBA's most recent expansion process awarded teams to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia on June 30, 2025. If the league prioritizes expansion in Boston, it could potentially be part of a wave of new WNBA cities, announced earlier by the league, which includes Portland, Toronto, and Philadelphia.
Steve Pagliuca intends to spend $100 million on a new practice facility in Boston, should the move be approved. Despite these plans, the WNBA's statement indicates that Boston's consideration for a franchise may come up in the future, but not as part of the current expansion process.
The Mohegan Tribe has stated that they will cooperate with the league if it forces a sale to an in-state buyer. If the league vetoes the Sun's relocation to Boston, the Tribe may consider selling the team to a local buyer, keeping the team in Connecticut.
Sources:
- YouTube summary (WNBA opposition to Sun move)
- Hartford Business Journal (sale details)
- Sports Business Journal (league opposition & expansion priorities)
- NextHoops reactions (local impact and player views)
- The WNBA's potential expansion to Boston faces significant challenges despite Steve Pagliuca's agreement to purchase the Connecticut Sun for a record-breaking $325 million.
- The league's Board of Governors, not individual teams, decides on relocation, and they are reportedly set to reject any relocation to Boston due to the city not participating in the recent expansion application process.
- The WNBA's expansion priorities and fees are another hurdle, as relocating a franchise might complicate financial and territorial rights tied to cities with priority for expansion.
- Connecticut's governor is lobbying to keep the team or relocate it within the state, but this is complicated by the league's stance and competing interests from strong Boston investment groups.
- If the league prioritizes keeping the Connecticut Sun in Connecticut and targets Boston as an expansion site instead, it could affect the Sun's potential move to Boston.
- Steve Pagliuca intends to spend $100 million on a new practice facility in Boston, should the move be approved, but the WNBA's statement indicates that Boston's consideration for a franchise may come up in the future, but not as part of the current expansion process.
- The Mohegan Tribe has stated that they will cooperate with the league if it forces a sale to an in-state buyer, suggesting a possibility of the team remaining in Connecticut if the relocation to Boston is vetoed.
