WNBA's Connecticut Sun up for sale, with Boston Celtics proprietor confirming purchase intent and proclaiming intentions to relocate the franchise to Boston, according to a report
The Connecticut Sun, a WNBA franchise, may be on the move to Boston by 2027, marking a significant shift in the league's landscape. The potential relocation is led by Steve Pagliuca, a minority owner of the Boston Celtics, who has agreed to purchase the team for a record-breaking $325 million [2][3][4].
If approved by the WNBA Board of Governors, the Sun would establish a presence in Boston, representing the larger New England region. Boston, seen as a central hub for basketball in New England, would become home to both the Celtics and the Sun [1].
Pagliuca's role is multifaceted: not only is he leading the ownership group acquiring the Sun, but he also plans to invest $100 million in a new practice facility in Boston for the team [2][3]. The Boston Celtics organization supports the move, with the Sun potentially becoming co-tenants at TD Garden, although some early-season games might be played in Providence to avoid scheduling conflicts [3].
The Mohegan Tribe, the Sun's previous owners, had been looking to sell, and the attractive purchase offer and successful Sun games held in Boston made the Tribe more inclined to sell to the Boston-based group, moving the franchise just over 100 miles from Connecticut to Massachusetts [3].
Here's a summary of the key aspects:
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Buyer | Steve Pagliuca-led Celtics minority ownership group | | Purchase price | $325 million (record for a women's sports franchise)| | Planned relocation | Connecticut Sun → Boston by 2027 | | Facilities investment | $100 million for new practice facility in Boston | | Home games venue | TD Garden (Boston), possible early games in Providence| | Pending approval | WNBA Board of Governors | | Motivation | Establish Boston as a WNBA city, represent New England region, capitalize on recent Boston game attendances |
The WNBA is currently considering nine additional cities for expansion, including Boston. However, no group from Boston applied in the last expansion process [5]. If the conditions are met, Boston could be part of the WNBA's upcoming expansion wave, which is planned to unfold over the next five years [6].
In the meantime, the Sun's potential move to Boston is eagerly anticipated, with the league, the team, and the fans keeping a close eye on the WNBA Board of Governors' decision.
- The Connecticut Sun, currently a WNBA franchise, is expected to be purchased by a Boston-based group led by Steve Pagliuca, a minority owner of the NFL's Boston Celtics, for a record-breaking $325 million.
- If approved, the Sun would move from Connecticut to Boston by 2027, establishing a WNBA presence in Boston and representing the larger New England region.
- Pagliuca plans to invest $100 million in a new practice facility in Boston for the Sun, with the Boston Celtics organization supporting the move and potentially sharing TD Garden as a home games venue.
- In the sports industry, this deal would set a record for a women's sports franchise purchase, marking a significant shift in the WNBA's landscape.
- The potential relocation of the Sun to Boston opens up possibilities for sports-betting businesses, given the city's growing interest in sports.
- The WNBA is considering nine additional cities for expansion, including Boston, as part of its upcoming expansion wave, which is planned to unfold over the next five years.
- The NBA, WNBA, and fans alike are closely following the decision of the WNBA Board of Governors regarding the Sun's potential move to Boston, as the relocation could mark a new era for women's basketball in the city.
