WNBA Team’s Relocation to Boston Takes a Dramatic Turn originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Just days ago, the Boston Globe reported that the Mohegan Tribe—the longtime owners of the Connecticut Sun—had agreed to sell the franchise to a group led by Boston Celtics’ minority owner Steve Pagliuca in a record-setting $325 million deal.
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While the sale is still pending approval by the WNBA Board of Governors, the report also noted that Pagliuca plans to move the team to Boston as early as 2027.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont Steps In
On Monday, the Governor of the state of Connecticut, Ned Lamont, spoke to reporters and said the fight to keep the Sun isn’t over.
“Can’t believe everything you read,” Lamont said. “When it comes to the Connecticut Sun, we’re late in the fourth quarter, we still have some catching up to do, but it’s not over until it’s over. We’re fighting like heck. Connecticut’s the home of women’s basketball. The Sun ought to be right here.”
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Lamont also shared that he’s been in touch with a local Connecticut-based ownership group that has submitted a bid nearly matching the offer from the Boston-based buyers.
“I know we’ve got a very competitive bid, I know we have lots of local corporate support who want to make this happen,” Lamont said. “We’re doing everything we can to keep (the team) here in the state.”
Lamont didn’t reveal any additional details, but it’s worth noting he was asked whether the state might contribute funding for a new practice facility for the Sun.
The 71-year-old answered, saying the state would “do what it takes to keep the Sun in Connecticut.”
Sun’s Struggles in Connecticut
While women’s basketball thrives in Connecticut—largely thanks to the success of the UConn Huskies—the Sun have faced challenges in attracting top talent and growing their fan base.
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Part of the issue is location. UConn is based in Storrs, while the Sun play in Uncasville—a small town with a population of just over 11,000 and at least a 45-minute drive from the university. Unlike a major city like Boston, which boasts a population of over 670,000, Uncasville lacks the scale and visibility needed to fully support a professional franchise.
Because of these challenges, the Mohegan Tribe announced in May it had hired Allen & Co. to evaluate a potential sale of the Sun.
Related: Sun Guard Marina Mabrey Gets a Tech After Standing Up For Her Teammate
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
