Boston's Bid for a WNBA Team: Connecticut Sun's Potential Move

The Connecticut Sun, a standout team in the WNBA, might be heading to Boston. A group led by Steve Pagliuca, a minority owner of the Boston Celtics, has agreed to buy the team for a record $325 million. This deal could also include $100 million for a new practice facility in Boston. The Mohegan Tribe, which currently owns the Sun, has been considering this sale. The Sun have been playing in Connecticut since 2003. They've had some success, reaching the Finals four times. However, their popularity has been declining. Their home arena is one of the smallest in the league, and they don't have a dedicated practice facility. This season, they've struggled, with a league-worst record. The WNBA needs to approve this sale. But there's a catch. The league has already planned expansions to other cities and might prefer to keep Boston as a future option. However, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is pushing for the Sun to move to Boston. She believes it's the fastest way to get a WNBA team in the city. The Sun have assured their fans that they will play in Connecticut until at least 2026. If the move to Boston happens, it would likely be in 2027. The Boston group is even considering playing some early season games in Providence to avoid conflicts with the Celtics and Bruins playoffs. The WNBA is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, thanks to stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. This move could bring even more attention to the league. Pagliuca has been trying to bring a WNBA team to Boston for years. This deal with the Sun might be his best chance.