Steve Pagliuca group agrees deal to purchase Connecticut Sun and relocate franchise to Boston
A Boston-based investment group spearheaded by Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca has reportedly reached an agreement with the Mohegan Tribe to acquire the WNBA's Connecticut Sun franchise, with plans to relocate the team to Boston. The potential move could materialize as early as 2027, pending league approval, according to multiple media reports on Saturday.
The Connecticut Sun, who have maintained their base in the Constitution State since 2003, would become part of a record-breaking transaction if the deal proceeds as planned. Pagliuca's consortium is reportedly prepared to pay $325 million for the franchise, a figure that would establish a new benchmark as the highest purchase price ever recorded for a women's professional sports team.
Beyond the acquisition cost, Pagliuca's group has committed an additional $100 million investment to construct a state-of-the-art practice facility in Boston. This substantial financial commitment demonstrates the group's serious intent to establish a permanent presence in the Massachusetts market and provide top-tier infrastructure for the relocated franchise.
However, the proposed relocation faces potential hurdles during the WNBA approval process. Boston has previously been identified as a prime candidate for league expansion rather than relocation, which could complicate the transaction. According to reporting by the Boston Globe, the WNBA maintains contractual rights that would allow the league to compel the Mohegan Tribe to sell the franchise to a Connecticut-based buyer instead, potentially blocking the Boston move.
The logistical aspects of the potential relocation appear to have been addressed, with reports indicating that the Boston Celtics organization has expressed no objections to sharing TD Garden with a WNBA team. This arrangement would provide the relocated franchise with access to one of the premier basketball venues in the country and leverage the existing infrastructure of the successful NBA franchise.
The Connecticut Sun currently compete at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, where they have established a strong fan base over more than two decades. The franchise has been one of the WNBA's more consistent performers historically, reaching the playoffs in each of the eight seasons prior to the current campaign.
This season has proven challenging for the Sun, who currently hold the league's worst record at 5-21, representing a significant departure from their recent playoff appearances. The disappointing performance has coincided with the ownership transition discussions, though the timing appears to be coincidental rather than directly related.
The proposed purchase price reflects the rapidly increasing valuations within women's professional sports, particularly as the WNBA continues to experience growth in viewership, sponsorship, and overall market interest. The $325 million figure represents a substantial premium compared to historical WNBA franchise transactions and signals confidence in the league's future earning potential.
If approved, the relocation would mark a significant shift in the WNBA's geographic footprint and could establish Boston as a major market for women's professional basketball. The move would also represent Pagliuca's expanded involvement in professional basketball ownership, building upon his existing minority stake in the Celtics organization.
The timeline for league approval remains unclear, though WNBA officials will need to weigh the potential benefits of entering the Boston market against existing relationships with Connecticut stakeholders and broader strategic considerations regarding expansion versus relocation policies.
SportsLigue