In a landmark move for women’s professional sports, a Boston-based ownership group led by Steve Pagliuca, minority owner of the Boston Celtics, is set to acquire the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun for a record-breaking $325 million. The deal also includes a planned contribution of an additional $100 million toward building a state-of-the-art practice facility in Boston, with a targeted relocation of the franchise by 2027, pending approval from the WNBA board.

Record Franchise Sale and Boston Ambitions

This acquisition marks the highest price ever paid for a WNBA team, surpassing previous expansion fees of around $250 million. The Mohegan Tribe, which currently owns the Sun, has reportedly agreed to the sale, citing a desire to reinvest focus into their casino and hospitality ventures. Following relocation, early-season games may be held in Providence, Rhode Island, to avoid schedule conflicts with the Celtics and Bruins at TD Garden a venue that the team already uses occasionally.

Why Boston? Strategic Market and Fan Base

Pagliuca’s group has fostered a strong regional interest in WNBA basketball, demonstrated by consecutive sellout games at TD Garden in recent seasons. The city, with its strong sports culture and robust fan base, is seen by many insiders as a natural fit for the league’s expansion goals. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has publicly endorsed the move, noting Boston’s potential as a fan hub for both local and regional audiences.

Despite immediate enthusiasm, the WNBA has signaled concerns: expansion-eligible cities, including Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Portland, currently hold priority over Boston. League officials emphasize that relocation decisions must align with broader expansion plans and governance policies.

Impact on Connecticut and the WNBA Landscape

With the Sun franchise relocating, Connecticut could lose its established WNBA presence, which has endured since 2003 and included multiple finals appearances. Fans in Uncasville are reportedly disappointed but acknowledge the franchise has lacked infrastructure investments, such as a dedicated training facility an issue Pagliuca’s proposed investment aims to resolve.

For the WNBA overall, this sale integrates a strong NBA-affiliated ownership group, continues its rapid growth trajectory, and aligns with recent trendlines: upcoming expansion teams in Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia by 2030 have all had NBA ties.

Next Steps: Approvals and Transition Plans

  • The agreement is conditional on approval by the WNBA Board of Governors.
  • A formal sale agreement is expected once internal league processes conclude.
  • Relocation will likely proceed with a phased transition plan, preserving operational continuity during the shift.
  • The team plans to begin hosting games in Boston in the 2027 season, while continuing to play in Connecticut through 2026.

This development not only reshapes the geographic footprint of the WNBA but also signals that women’s sports franchises are increasingly valued, professionally managed, and prepared to mobilize in markets offering greater visibility and growth potential.