Connecticut Sun Explores Possible Sale and Relocation
Connecticut Sun president Jennifer Rizzotti announced that the team’s ownership group is “exploring all options to strategically invest in the team,” including a possible sale.
The team has hired the investment bank Allen & Co. to conduct an investigation, and a sale of control is expected, with a likely relocation of the franchise.
The Sun have played in Uncasville, Connecticut, since 2003, when the Mohegan tribe bought the franchise for $10 million and moved the team from Orlando.
Mohegan was the first non-NBA owner of a WNBA team, and the franchise became the first in the league to turn a profit.
Since 2017, there have been no team relocations in the WNBA.
In a statement, Mohegan’s management stated that they are constantly evaluating strategic options, investments, and capital expenditures. They recognize the monumental changes in the last 18 months and are proud of the team’s success and community impact. They highlight the growth of the WNBA and their commitment to the team’s continued success.
Mohegan remains committed to the team’s continued success, which includes analyzing all strategic options in the best interest of CT Sun, MTGA, and WNBA.
Mohegan
Rizzotti calificó la decisión de Mohegan como un movimiento de “propietarios de negocios responsables” y añadió que se trata de ser consistentes en la evaluación de todos sus negocios, incluido el Connecticut Sun.
Rizzotti confirmed that all options are on the table, including the possible sale of minority stakes in the team, as the Seattle Storm recently did, and the sale of the franchise, keeping the team in the same city or state, as happened with the Atlanta Dream in 2021.
Rizzotti stated that the Mohegan tribe can support any decision it makes, highlighting its focus on customer experience and investment in the right aspects.
Mohegan’s decision comes at a time of rapid growth for the WNBA, where ownership groups are expected to invest increasingly in the player experience, including the construction of dedicated training facilities.
Connecticut is one of the teams that has not yet announced plans for a training facility, and the players currently practice at the Mohegan Sun Arena or the Mohegan Tribal Community and Government Center.
The Sun have been one of the most successful teams in the WNBA, reaching the playoffs in 16 of their 22 seasons in Connecticut and with six consecutive semifinal appearances. However, 2025 will mark a new era for the franchise after losing their entire starting lineup in the offseason due to free agency or trades.
Rizzotti highlighted that the franchise “has been a desirable place to play” and that the change in the squad this low season was more of a setback than a recurring problem.
The team will focus on preparing for the season, which begins on Sunday at home against the Washington Mystics.
Both Rizzotti and coach Rachid Meziane emphasized the importance of controlling what the team can control.
Tina Charles, who was the No. 1 draft pick by the Sun in 2010 and returned to play with the organization this offseason, is confident that management will make the right decision to benefit the organization, the players, and the staff.
