Big changes could be on the way for the WNBA, and Boston fans might want to get excited. The Connecticut Sun, one of the league’s most established franchises, is eyeing a move just over 100 miles north near the borders of Massachusetts. According to the Boston Globe, Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca has reached a record-setting $325 million deal to buy the team from the Mohegan Tribe. If the WNBA and its Board of Governors give it the green light, the Sun will be packing up and heading to Boston by 2027.
What is the background of the Connecticut Sun’s $325 million relocation to Boston?
Now, this isn’t just any sale – it’s the highest price ever paid for a women’s sports franchise in U.S. history. Steve Pagliuca is offering $325 million to buy the Connecticut Sun, and he’s not stopping there. He’s also committing $100 million to build a brand-new practice facility in Boston.
If approved, the Sun would play their home games at TD Garden, where they’ve already tested the waters with two sellout games in recent years. That overwhelming fan support helped push the Mohegan Tribe, which bought the team for just $10 million in 2003, to move forward with the sale. If it goes through, it’s a massive return – and the start of a whole new era for the franchise.
The Sun has a unique place in WNBA history. Owned by the Mohegan Tribe, they’ve played at the Tribe’s casino since 2003 after relocating from Orlando. They were the first WNBA team run by a non-NBA owner and the first to turn a profit. In May, the team officially announced it was exploring a sale and brought in Allen & Company to lead the process. Meanwhile, the league is expanding fast.
With five new teams, Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, set to join by 2030, and each paying a $250 million expansion fee, the WNBA’s value is clearly soaring. So no, this move isn’t just about geography, it’s also about a league growing up in real time.
What have officials stated about a Connecticut Sun name change after relocating?
So, will the Connecticut Sun get a name change when they move to Boston? For now, there’s no official word. Neither the WNBA nor the Sun’s current ownership has confirmed whether a rebrand is in the works. According to the league, “Relocation decisions are made by the WNBA Board of Governors and not by individual teams.” That means any major moves, like changing the team’s name, aren’t just up to the new owners. And while branding decisions are reportedly being discussed, nothing has been finalized yet.
If history’s any guide, renaming usually happens, even when teams try to preserve a part of the previous identity. When the Orlando Miracle moved to Connecticut back in 2003, they rebranded as the Connecticut Sun. And other teams, like the Utah Starzz—who became the San Antonio Silver Stars, then just the Stars, and are now the Las Vegas Aces—have gone through multiple name changes. Same with the Detroit Shock, who became the Tulsa Shock, then the Dallas Wings. So yeah, it happens.
What are the possible scenarios for the Connecticut Sun’s team name after moving to Boston?
With the Connecticut Sun potentially heading to Boston, the question on everyone’s mind is – will they keep the name? According to reports, the ownership group is rumored to be exploring fresh branding for Boston, which could mean a brand-new team name, logo, and colors. The goal? To connect with Boston’s fan base in a way that feels different from the Sun’s Connecticut roots. While nothing’s official yet, analysts believe a rebrand could help the franchise fit more naturally into Boston’s unique market culture, though there’s still a chance they keep some ties to the “Sun” identity or something regionally meaningful.
Names like Boston Charm and Boston Banshees have already been thrown into the mix. The “Charm” idea dates back to 2023 when Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck floated the possibility of a WNBA sister team, inspired by Irish charm, the city’s vibe, or even the area’s witch trial history. Meanwhile, a fan survey by Duck on a Rock Sports saw “Boston Banshees” emerge as the fan favorite, proving that the community has strong opinions and wants a say. That’s something the league is reportedly taking seriously. Community engagement initiatives and fan surveys may be conducted before finalizing any new identity, so don’t be surprised if Boston’s WNBA future ends up shaped by its people, history, and personality.
How could the Connecticut Sun’s move to Boston affect fans and the WNBA market?
Let’s be real—this move to Boston could change everything, not just for the Connecticut Sun but for the WNBA as a whole. The jump from the Atlanta Dream’s $7–10 million sale in 2021 to a $325 million deal? That’s not just a price tag—it’s a statement. Add in Steve Pagliuca’s $100 million commitment to a new practice facility, and you’ve got a clear sign: the league’s value and ambitions are skyrocketing.
But while Boston promises bigger marketing, better infrastructure, and a sports-crazy fan base, this potential relocation also raises some real concerns for longtime Sun fans in Connecticut. And the emotional side? It’s already starting to show. The team recently sent out letters to season ticket holders assuring them they’ll play at the casino next season.
But Cathy Engelbert had earlier softened that blow, saying, “It’s important, as we grow, that arenas grow with us,” Engelbert said. “And obviously, Mohegan Sun Arena is great also, but it’s great to come to Boston, because there’s no WNBA team here, but it’s close enough to the Connecticut Sun fan base. So, yeah, I think it’s great to be up here.”
Even Sun rookie Saniya Rivers admitted, “If it were up to me, we might relocate here. I love Connecticut. It’s fine. But I think the marketing here itself is just going to be better for a women’s basketball program.” And yes, a Boston-based Sun could draw new sponsors, media partnerships, and greater national traction. The lack of which has troubled some former Sun players. According to Sports Media Watch, Boston ranks as the No. 8 sports media market in the U.S., with over 2.6 million households in the Greater Boston area.
Also, the time to make money is right now when the league is going through a high. Waiting till the expansions are over might hurt their chances. The WNBA once aimed to harness its early popularity by expanding to 16 teams in 2000, but the momentum didn’t last due to limited widespread support. As a result, franchises in cities like Miami, Portland, Orlando, Cleveland, Charlotte, Houston, Detroit, Tulsa, Sacramento, San Antonio, and Utah either folded or relocated.
What is the timeline for the Connecticut Sun’s relocation and official name change announcement?
If everything falls into place, the Connecticut Sun’s move to Boston could be finalized ahead of the 2026 WNBA season. However, the Sun won’t play there until the 2027 season. That means the coming months will be all about nailing down logistics—practice facilities, home court arrangements, and a full-on marketing rollout. An official name change and branding reveal could drop well before the season starts, pending league approval. And let’s just say, fans and media are already watching closely.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has been vocal about her support. “I’ve been pushing for years for Boston to get a WNBA team; I think it would be great for Boston,” she told The Globe.“And that would be great for the WNBA and we saw that for a second year in a row, a sellout crowd at TD Garden. I also think it would be great for the Connecticut Sun to move to Boston and represent all of New England. We are the hub of New England and the place that basketball was invented. I think it makes a lot of sense.”
Whether it’s a fresh start in Boston or a tribute to their Connecticut legacy, the Sun’s potential move signals more than relocation—it marks a pivotal moment in WNBA history. With record-breaking numbers, branding talks, and fan excitement, all eyes are now on what comes next.
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