Senator Warns WNBA About the Future of Connecticut Sun
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) sent a letter to the WNBA this Monday, expressing his concern about the ongoing negotiations related to the Connecticut Sun team. Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former state attorney general, warned the league to stay out of negotiations between the Mohegan tribe, which owns the team, and potential new ownership groups. The senator emphasized that any attempt by the WNBA to hinder efforts to keep the Sun in Connecticut could violate federal antitrust laws. I will demand investigations and enforcement actions from the relevant federal authorities if [the WNBA] takes any action to impede or restrict Connecticut’s negotiations. The letter comes after months of tensions between the WNBA and the Mohegan tribe, owner of the Sun since 2003. The tribe has been exploring investment options for the team, receiving two offers: one to move the team to Boston and another to take it to Hartford, both valued at $325 million. However, the league has indicated that it does not consider any of the offers acceptable, arguing that priority would be given to cities that have gone through the expansion process. 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 the team to the market of its choice, but the tribe has not accepted that offer, considering that the price does not reflect the market value.According to reports, the property is now in conversations 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 proposal, games would be played in both Hartford and Uncasville, the team’s current home, and a practice facility would be built in Hartford. The deal would also involve a higher valuation than the league’s $250 million offer. Blumenthal highlighted the outstanding history of the Sun in the state, arguing that the state proposal “fully ensures the continued commercial and professional success of the Connecticut Sun, and addresses expansion concerns reported by the WNBA.” In his letter, Blumenthal emphasized Hartford’s ability to attract fans, mentioning UCONN’s successful basketball programs and NCAA Tournament games. The letter also points out that relocating the team outside of Connecticut would leave New England without a WNBA team and disrupt the stability and growth that the Sun have achieved in the state. The tribe and the league are expected to meet soon to discuss future options.Any further attempt by the WNBA to use its considerable governing 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.
Richard Blumenthal
