UNCASVILLE, CT – The WNBA may be poised for a significant shift as reports emerged over the weekend that the Connecticut Sun, one of the league's charter franchises, has been sold to an investment group led by Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca. The deal, valued at a reported $325 million, includes plans to relocate the team to Boston by the 2027 season, according to a story first published by Yahoo Sports.

While neither the WNBA, the Mohegan Tribe, nor Pagliuca's group has issued an official confirmation, the reported sale marks a pivotal moment for the league, reflecting soaring franchise valuations and a strategic push into major metropolitan markets. If finalized, the move would end a celebrated two-decade run for the Sun in Connecticut, leaving a dedicated fanbase while establishing a WNBA presence in a prominent sports city.

The Landmark Deal

According to sources cited in the initial report, the $325 million price tag is a comprehensive figure. It is understood to cover the purchase of the franchise from its current owners, the Mohegan Tribe, as well as an estimated $100 million investment earmarked for a new, state-of-the-art practice facility in the Boston area and other relocation-related expenses.

The deal would need to be formally approved by the WNBA Board of Governors. The involvement of Steve Pagliuca, a co-owner of the Boston Celtics and co-chairman of Bain Capital, lends significant financial and strategic weight to the bid. His deep roots in the Boston sports and business communities signal a serious and well-funded effort to integrate a WNBA team into the city's robust sports culture.

A New Chapter in Boston

For the WNBA, a move to Boston would fill a conspicuous void. As one of the largest U.S. media markets without a women's professional basketball team, Boston represents a significant growth opportunity. The city's passionate sports fans, existing infrastructure like the TD Garden, and the potential for a natural rivalry with the New York Liberty could provide a major boost to the league's national profile.

The proposed 2027 timeline allows for a transition period to establish operations, build the new practice facility, and launch a marketing campaign to introduce the team to a new audience. The potential for synergy with the Celtics NBA franchise, from shared facilities to cross-promotional activities, is a key component of the reported plan.

End of an Era for the Sun

The potential relocation casts a shadow over the Sun's successful history in southeastern Connecticut. The Mohegan Tribe acquired the team (originally the Orlando Miracle) in 2003, becoming the first Native American tribe to own and operate a major professional sports franchise. Since then, the Sun have been a perennial playoff contender, reaching the WNBA Finals four times, most recently in 2022.

The team has cultivated a loyal and passionate following, consistently drawing strong crowds to the Mohegan Sun Arena. The potential departure would be a significant loss for the community and for a fanbase that has supported the team for over 20 years.

Jennifer Rizzotti, President of the Connecticut Sun, has not commented on the reports, but has previously emphasized the team's deep connection to its local supporters. The sale and move would sever one of the most unique and stable ownership situations in professional sports.

This reported sale underscores the WNBA's explosive growth. Franchise valuations have skyrocketed in recent years, driven by a new media rights deal, rising viewership, and increased star power. The reported $325 million valuation for the Sun dwarfs previous benchmarks and signals a bullish future for a league that continues to capture mainstream attention. As the league expands its footprint, the move from a casino-based home to a major media market like Boston appears to be the next strategic step, though it comes at a cost for the team's foundational fans.