A deal between Steve Pagliuca, a minority owner of the Boston Celtics, and the Mohegan Tribe could see the Connecticut Sun relocate to TD Garden in Uncasville by 2027. The proposed $325 million sale would be the most expensive sale for a professional women’s sports team in history. As part of the deal, Pagliuca has promised $100 million for a new practice facility in Boston.
The move makes sense given the WNBA’s expansion plans and the Sun’s current facilities at TD Garden, which have sold out crowds with two games played there so far. However, a statement from the WNBA suggests that relocation decisions are made by the league’s Board of Governors, not individual teams. The league may be hesitant to approve the sale due to potential financial concerns, as it would allow the Mohegan Tribe to receive $325 million instead of sharing an expansion fee with the WNBA.
Despite this, many see the Sun’s relocation as a win-win for both the team and Boston. The Sun need improved facilities, and Boston is eager for a WNBA presence. The league should reconsider its stance on the sale, as it would allow the Sun to upgrade their operations while leaving other franchises in similar situations behind.
Source: https://defector.com/a-wnba-team-in-boston-seems-like-a-no-brainer