A significant shift in the WNBA landscape is underway as a group led by Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca has reached a record-breaking deal to buy the Connecticut Sun for $325 million. This historic move will see the team relocate to Boston, but fans will have to wait until the 2027 season to see them play in their new home. The announcement, expected soon, comes amid a backdrop of heightened interest in women’s sports, particularly in the WNBA.
- Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca buys Connecticut Sun.
- Team relocation to Boston planned for 2027.
- Pagliuca to fund $100 million practice facility.
- WNBA Board of Governors must approve sale.
- Sun's ownership by Mohegan Tribe since 2003.
- Connecticut Sun struggling in current season.
The deal includes a commitment from Pagliuca to invest an additional $100 million in a new practice facility in Boston, enhancing the team’s infrastructure. As of now, the sale is pending approval from the league and its board of governors, with the WNBA stating that relocation decisions are not made at the team level.
This move raises questions about the future of the WNBA and its expansion plans. With the Sun’s relocation, how will this impact the competitive landscape of the league? The following points summarize key developments:
- The Sun have been a successful franchise but are currently last in the league.
- Pagliuca’s investment indicates a commitment to enhancing player experiences.
- Boston’s bid for a franchise was previously overlooked but is now back in consideration.
- The WNBA is expanding, with five new teams set to join by 2030.
As the WNBA continues to evolve, fans can look forward to an exciting future, especially with the upcoming expansion teams and the anticipated relocation of the Sun. Will this new chapter in Boston spark greater interest in women’s basketball?
