In an offseason unlike any in WNBA history, the Connecticut Sun saw 12 of the 15 players who logged minutes in 2024 depart the franchise.
Now, only Marina Mabrey, Olivia Nelson‑Ododa and Caitlin Bickle remain on the opening roster.
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This mass turnover accounts for 88.9% of the team’s playing time, a group that has won 25+ games each of the previous four seasons, including a WNBA Finals appearance in 2022.
It also coincides with intensified scrutiny of the Mohegan Tribe’s ownership, whose financial constraints and facility shortcomings have drawn sharp criticism from players, fans and analysts.
On Monday, Underdog WNBA took to X to draw attention to these massive personnel shifts
Last year’s Sun squad reached the semifinals, led by a starting five that included DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, DiJonai Carrington and Tyasha Harris.
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Over the winter, each signed elsewhere: Thomas in Phoenix, Jones in Atlanta, Harris in Dallas, Carrington in Dallas and Bonner in Indiana.
This marked the first time in WNBA history that an entire starting five was completely disassembled after making the playoffs.
2024 additions like Tiffany Mitchell (Las Vegas Aces) and Veronica Burton (Golden State Valkyries) also moved on.
Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey.Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The Sun’s owner, the Mohegan Tribe, carries over $3 billion in corporate debt, with nearly $500 million due in the current fiscal year, limiting capital for team investment.
Players have lamented makeshift practice setups, including the now departed Thomas, who once practiced on a half‑court during a birthday party, calling it the “ultimate disrespect”.
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Though tribal leaders say they are exploring facility upgrades and minority‑stake sales, tangible progress remains slow.
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