Professional basketball franchise, Connecticut Sun, potentially facing sale imminently, boasting strong probability of relocation.
The Potential Exodus of Connecticut Sun: Exploring New Horizons
The future of the Connecticut Sun women's basketball team might take a dramatic turn. The WNBA franchise could potentially be leaving the Nutmeg State, according to team president Jen Rizzotti's latest statements.
Established in 2003 as a $10 million purchase by the Mohegan Tribe, the Sun found their home in Uncassville, CT, after relocating from Orlando. The Sun was the first WNBA team to have a non-NBA owner and became the league's first profitable franchise. Today, the team boasts an estimated worth of $80 million.
However, the Sun is struggling to keep pace with the league's progress. While other teams are investing in state-of-the-art facilities, the Sun continue to hold practices in a casino arena and a local community center. Intriguingly, when they're not busy training, these sites are often transformed into venues for yoga classes and birthday parties, CT Insider reports.
Unlike many of its counterparts, the Sun hasn't announced plans for a new training facility in Connecticut.
The striking disparity in facilities between the Sun and other teams hasn't dented the team's successful run. The Sun has made the postseason in an impressive 16 of their 22 seasons, including six consecutive semifinal appearances from 2019 to 2024.
Gushing praise for the team's owners, Rizzotti extols, "They do everything first-class, taking pride in their guest experience, attention to detail, and true investment in the right ways."
The Mohegan Tribe has enlisted investment bank Allen & Co. to explore its options regarding the potential sale of the Sun. While the tribe remains committed to the franchise, they may also be considering other cities as prospective homes. "We'll pour into this franchise as long as it's here," Rizzotti assures. "We'll worry about other options when the time comes."
If sold, rumors suggest that Philadelphia and Boston could be attractive options for the Sun. The 76ers ownership group has already submitted a bid for an expansion team, while Boston, although no formal bid has been made, has seen efforts led by Michael Carter-Williams and Donnie Wahlberg to bring a WNBA franchise to the city.
As a testament to their enduring fan base, the Sun will grace Boston's TD Garden this July for a game against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
Despite the swirling rumors, Rizzotti has conveyed a clear message to her team, "They have their job, and our job is to put the best product on the floor." While the Sun's fate remains uncertain, the team remains steadfast in their commitment to a successful season, with former WNBA MVP Tina Charles set to return in 2025.
As the new season approaches, the Sun will face the Washington Mystics at Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday.
Sources:
- CNBC
- Sports Illustrated
- Connecticut Post
- Boston Globe
- New York Post
- The Mohegan Tribe, the owners of the Connecticut Sun, are considering selling the franchise or relocating it to other cities, such as Philadelphia or Boston.
- Despite the potential move, the Connecticut Sun continue to invest in their team, with former WNBA MVP Tina Charles set to return in 2025.
- If sold, the Sun's business model could change dramatically, as they currently hold practices in a casino arena and a local community center, which are often transformed into venues for non-sports events.
- The Connecticut Sun, a profitable franchise with an estimated worth of $80 million, has struggled to keep pace with the league's progress, with many teams investing in state-of-the-art facilities.
