Boston, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Steve Pagliuca, a former minority owner of the Boston Celtics, has made a $325 million bid to purchase the Connecticut Sun. This includes a proposed $100 million investment in a new training facility in Brighton, Massachusetts. The Mohegan Tribe has accepted the bid but the deal is subject to WNBA approval, which is currently hesitant about relocating the franchise to Boston. This purchase could set a record for the most expensive sale of a women’s sports team, but logistical and league preference concerns complicate the situation.
Boston
Former Celtics minority owner offers $325 million to buy Connecticut Sun; WNBA resists relocation to Boston
The Connecticut Sun could be sold to a group led by former Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca under a $325 million bid that includes a separate proposed $100 million investment for a new practice facility in Brighton, Massachusetts. The Mohegan Tribe, which currently owns the Sun and is reportedly facing debt pressures, agreed to Pagliuca’s bid earlier in July, though the transaction is not final and requires league approval.
The proposed purchase would set a new record for the most expensive sale of a women’s sports franchise if completed. The WNBA has shown resistance to relocating the franchise to Boston and has not committed to approving a move. The league had previously offered to buy the Sun itself for $250 million before Pagliuca’s bid became public, and has indicated a preference to sell the team to a market of its choosing rather than approve a relocation to Boston.
Key developments and immediate implications
- Offer and investment: Pagliuca’s group submitted a $325 million purchase price with a proposed additional $100 million for a practice site in Brighton.
- Mohegan Tribe position: The tribe agreed to the bid earlier in July amid reported debt concerns and has expressed frustration over the league’s response to the sale process.
- WNBA stance: The WNBA has resisted the relocation and prefers to control the destination market. The league also offered $250 million to acquire the Sun directly.
- Sale not finalized: The deal requires league approvals and clarity from the WNBA after Pagliuca’s bid met reported resistance.
Supporting facts and logistical issues
The WNBA’s recent expansion choices prioritized other cities, with new franchises awarded to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. Boston did not apply during the league’s recent expansion process, which contributed to the city’s lower priority in the league’s planning. League officials emphasize that franchise relocations and sales are decided by the WNBA Board of Governors, not by individual teams or prospective buyers alone.
Practical concerns have been raised about where a relocated Sun team would play. TD Garden, the primary arena in Boston, may not be available for the full slate of WNBA home games due to scheduling conflicts with other events. Reports suggest some games could be held at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island, and Pagliuca’s group indicates that a split schedule would not pose a major issue.
Political and ownership angles
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has publicly supported efforts to bring WNBA basketball to Boston and has spoken with Celtics owner Bill Chisholm about backing a future franchise. League sources view Chisholm as a preferred owner if Boston is awarded a team in a future expansion round. That dynamic may create tension because Pagliuca currently leads the Sun bid and both parties have overlapping interests in Boston professional basketball ownership.
The Sun have attracted strong crowds in recent seasons, playing to sellout audiences at TD Garden in the past two years. That attendance history is often cited as evidence of a viable market in Greater Boston and a reason Pagliuca’s group seeks to keep the franchise in New England rather than see it moved to another market.
Background and next steps
Pagliuca is a longtime figure in basketball ownership circles and previously held a minority stake in the Boston Celtics. The Mohegan Tribe’s decision to accept Pagliuca’s bid followed reports of financial strain within the tribe’s broader operations. The WNBA’s resistance has prompted the Sun to seek clarity on the sale and relocation process.
Next steps include formal consideration by the WNBA Board of Governors, any necessary league approvals for ownership transfer and relocation, and possible negotiations over arena scheduling and facility plans. Until the Board acts and terms are finalized, the Sun’s future location and ownership remain uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of Pagliuca’s offer?
The bid from Steve Pagliuca’s group is $325 million, plus a proposed $100 million investment for a new practice facility in Brighton, Massachusetts.
Has the Mohegan Tribe agreed to sell the Sun?
The tribe reportedly agreed to Pagliuca’s bid earlier in July, but the sale is not final and still requires WNBA approval.
Why is the WNBA resisting the relocation to Boston?
The league prefers to sell the team to a market it chooses, did not prioritize Boston during recent expansion, and has raised logistical concerns such as arena availability. The WNBA also made a prior offer to buy the team for $250 million.
Could the team still play in Boston if sold?
Possible, but uncertain. TD Garden schedule conflicts may force some games to be played at alternative sites such as Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence. Any relocation requires Board of Governors approval.
What happens next?
The WNBA Board of Governors must review and approve any sale or relocation. The Sun and the Mohegan Tribe are seeking clarity from the league while Pagliuca’s group prepares for the approval process.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Buyer | Consortium led by Steve Pagliuca |
| Purchase price offered | $325 million |
| Additional proposed investment | $100 million for a Brighton practice facility |
| WNBA offer to buy team | $250 million (reported, made before Pagliuca’s bid became public) |
| Current owner | Mohegan Tribe |
| Primary potential arena | TD Garden (Boston); possible games at Amica Mutual Pavilion (Providence) |
| Approval required from | WNBA Board of Governors |
| Recent related developments | WNBA awarded new franchises to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia; Boston not prioritized in recent expansion |
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Connecticut Sun Relocation News
- Wikipedia: WNBA
- The New York Times: WNBA Connecticut Sun Sale
- Google Search: Connecticut Sun WNBA
- NBC Boston: Pagliuca’s Offer for Connecticut Sun
- Google Scholar: WNBA Relocation
- NBC News: WNBA Team Sale
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- MassLive: Celtics Owner to Purchase Connecticut Sun
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