In a strategic move, the state of Connecticut has presented a proposal to ensure the Sun’s permanence in the region, two months after the team’s ownership presented an agreement to the WNBA to move the franchise to Boston. The limited partnership agreement, involving state funds, would involve the sale of a minority stake in the franchise at a valuation higher than the WNBA’s current offer of $250 million to buy the team, which would allow the league to relocate the franchise to the market of its choice. The games would be held at the Mohegan Sun Arena, the team’s current home, and at the PeoplesBank Arena (formerly XL Center) in Hartford. There is the state’s desire to hold more games in Hartford, but for the moment, the Sun only have a few games assigned to be held there each season. In addition, the state would build and finance a training facility in Hartford, which would be leased by the team.
The proposal is still subject to review and negotiation with the Mohegan tribe, owner of the Sun since it bought and moved the franchise from Orlando, Florida, in 2003. Any sale of a minority stake would also be subject to league approval. After the uncertainty that has reigned over the future of the Sun, the proposal, if agreed upon, would mark a commitment from the Mohegan tribe to keep the team in Connecticut for the next decade.I believe the best place for the Connecticut Sun is Connecticut because we have this fan base that is very passionate about women’s basketball. We love the Huskies. We love watching the Sun. Many of our favorite UConn players will be part of the Sun or have been part of the Sun, and we have seen that the Connecticut Sun players have been great community leaders and role models.
Susan Bysiewicz, Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut
The Suns have been exploring investment options for about a year, and in recent months they received two offers for $325 million for a complete sale of the franchise. One offer came from a group led by former Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca, who would move the team to Boston, and another from a group led by former Milwaukee Bucks minority owner Marc Lasry, who would move the team to Hartford. The Mohegan tribe initially intended to accept Pagliuca’s offer in July, but encountered resistance from the league office. The WNBA has indicated to the Sun’s ownership that it would not approve the Pagliuca and Lasry agreements, saying that relocation decisions are made at the discretion of the Board of Governors and that cities that have already gone through the expansion process have priority. Connecticut’s offer could be the clearest option for the tribe, as it would not reflect a franchise relocation nor would it require a relocation fee. The WNBA and Sun ownership are expected to meet in the coming week to assess their options.We greatly appreciate what you do and what you represent. We just want our young people to continue to benefit from this great asset. Yes, it’s economical, but a part of it is what makes it fun to live in Connecticut, and it’s also aspirational.
Susan Bysiewicz, Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut
