A group led by Boston Celtics minority owner Stephen Pagliuca has reached an agreement to acquire the Connecticut Sun WNBA franchise for a record $325 million, with plans to relocate the team to Boston by 2027. The landmark deal, which includes an additional $100 million commitment for a new dedicated practice facility in Boston, marks the highest price ever paid for a professional women's sports team. The acquisition is pending approval from the WNBA Board of Governors.
The Mohegan Tribe, who purchased the team for $10 million in 2003 and moved it from Orlando to Connecticut, are selling the franchise. This significant valuation reflects the rapid growth and increasing financial viability of the WNBA, which has seen a surge in popularity and media attention in recent years. The Sun have historically been one of the league's more successful teams, despite operating without a dedicated practice facility, often utilizing the casino arena or a local community center.
Boston has demonstrated a strong appetite for WNBA basketball, evidenced by two sold-out Connecticut Sun games held at TD Garden in recent seasons, including a highly anticipated matchup against the Indiana Fever. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has also publicly advocated for bringing a WNBA team to the city. The move would see the Sun play their home games at TD Garden, sharing the venue with the Celtics.
Business journalist Dan Primack highlighted the intriguing nature of the acquisition, noting on social media, > "Pags buying the WNBA's CT Sun and moving it to Boston is fascinating, because the Celtics ownership (which he's part of) never did this because they couldn't make the math work." This underscores the league's evolution and increased financial attractiveness. Primack further pointed out a persistent challenge for the franchise, stating, > "this club still wouldn't own its own building, which always has been the problem."
While the WNBA has recently announced several expansion teams for upcoming seasons, Boston was not initially among the cities that formally applied during the last expansion process. The league has stated that relocation decisions are solely made by the Board of Governors. This proposed move by Pagliuca's group signifies a major investment in women's basketball and could profoundly impact the WNBA's footprint in the New England region.