Connecticut Sun Sale Update

UNCASVILLE, Connecticut – Tina Charles discovered through social media on Saturday that the Connecticut Sun is up for sale.

The Boston Globe reported that Steve Pagliuca, a minority owner of the Boston Celtics, is set to acquire the Sun from the Mohegans for a staggering $325 million. There’s even talk of relocating the franchise to Boston and establishing a $100 million medical facility.

However, Pagliuca clarified via a statement on X Sunday evening that nothing has been finalized yet.

His statement expressed a commitment to investing in teams and cultivating a dedicated fanbase in New England while also aiming to build a competitive roster.

Charles has mixed feelings about the Sun, a team she’s been part of since it relocated from Orlando in 2003. She seemed to suggest that while change can be tough, it might also lead to new opportunities. “All good things typically come to an end, and you move on,” she noted after the team’s 87-78 loss on Sunday. “This franchise has so much history, and moving to Boston could mean a similar journey.”

Sun’s president, Jennifer Rizzotti, reiterated that the team will play at Mohegan Sun Arena next season. Throughout a 25-minute press conference, she emphasized that the interim sale by the Mohegans “is not a finish line,” though she couldn’t disclose specific details due to contract confidentiality.

The sale and possible move to Boston still need WNBA Board of Directors approval.

The WNBA also announced over the weekend that Boston isn’t among the 12 cities applying for teams in the league’s recent expansion efforts.

According to the WNBA, “Other cities are prioritized based on the extensive groundwork they’ve laid during the expansion process, and Boston is not currently under consideration.” The future owner, Bill Chischolm, has reached out to the league, seeking serious consideration for a franchise at the appropriate time.

The Mohegan Tribes have been assessing their options for selling the team or attracting more investors, especially given rising expectations for better facilities for players.

Rizzotti mentioned, “[The Mohegan Tribe has] considered the long-term vision of the league and the realities of our arena size and training facilities, emphasizing our efforts not just for this team but for the entire league.”

She pointed out that while experienced players like Charles enjoy Connecticut, younger athletes might favor larger markets for better opportunities and personal branding.

The Boston Globe also hinted that the WNBA plans to keep the Mohegans in Connecticut, suggesting they may pressure sellers to consider buyers interested in bringing a team to Boston by 2033.

When Rizzotti was asked about this possibility, she commented, “If a city has a serious investment group, I can’t see why it wouldn’t be a viable option.”