Senator Warns WNBA About the Future of Connecticut Sun
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal sent a letter to the WNBA on Monday, expressing his concern about the negotiations related to the Connecticut Sun team. The senator warned the league to stay out of the negotiations between the Mohegan tribe and potential new ownership groups for the team. Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former state attorney general, noted that any attempt by the WNBA to hinder efforts to keep the Sun in Connecticut could violate federal antitrust laws. The senator announced that he will demand investigations and enforcement actions by the relevant federal authorities if the WNBA takes measures that prevent or restrict negotiations in Connecticut. The letter arrives after months of conflict between the WNBA and the Mohegan tribe, owner of the Sun since 2003. The tribe has been exploring investment options for the team and received two offers: one that would move the team to Boston and another to Hartford, both for a complete sale of the franchise for $325 million. However, the league has indicated that it does not consider any of the offers acceptable, arguing that the cities that have gone through the expansion process would have priority. Any sale and relocation must be approved by the Board of Governors. The WNBA also offered to buy the Sun for $250 million, which would allow the league to relocate it to a market of its choice, but the tribe has not accepted that offer, believing that the price does not reflect the market value.According to reports, the property is in talks with the state of Connecticut about a proposal in which state funds would be used to acquire a minority stake in the franchise. Under this offer, games would be played in both Hartford and Uncasville, the team’s current home, and a training facility would be built in Hartford. The deal would also involve a higher valuation than the league’s $250 million offer. Blumenthal’s letter highlighted the Sun’s historic trajectory in the state and argued that the state’s proposal “completely ensures the continued commercial and professional success of the Connecticut Sun and addresses the WNBA’s expansion concerns.” The letter also mentioned Hartford’s ability to attract fans, highlighting UCONN men’s and women’s basketball games, as well as NCAA Tournament games. In addition, it was noted that relocating the team outside of Connecticut would leave New England without a WNBA team. The tribe and the league are expected to meet soon to discuss the options to be followed.“Any further attempt by the WNBA to use its considerable governance and market power over the Connecticut Sun to limit or dictate negotiations with the state of Connecticut could be an unreasonable restraint of trade and interference with the market that would violate federal antitrust laws,” Blumenthal wrote.
Richard Blumenthal
