A significant development in the WNBA landscape has emerged as a group led by Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca has finalized a deal to acquire the Connecticut Sun for a record-breaking $325 million. The acquisition includes plans to relocate the team to Boston, marking a strategic expansion in the league's footprint.

Key Details of the Acquisition

• Relocation Timeline: The Sun are expected to begin playing in Boston by the 2027 season.
• Investment in Facilities: Pagliuca has committed an additional $100 million to construct a state-of-the-art practice facility in Boston, enhancing the team's infrastructure.
• Approval Process: The deal is pending approval from the WNBA Board of Governors, which oversees franchise relocations.

Context of the Move

The Connecticut Sun, currently owned by the Mohegan Tribe, have been a cornerstone of the WNBA since their relocation from Orlando in 2003. The Tribe’s ownership marked the first instance of a non-NBA entity running a WNBA franchise, and the team has been one of the league’s most successful, making 16 postseason appearances with six consecutive semifinal runs.

However, the Sun have faced challenges recently, including the departure of their entire starting lineup via free agency or trades. The team is currently struggling, sitting at 5-21 in the league standings.

WNBA Expansion and Growth

The WNBA has seen rapid growth in recent years, with five expansion teams set to join the league over the next five seasons: Portland (2026), Toronto (2026), Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030). While Boston was not initially considered for expansion, Pagliuca’s acquisition signals a renewed focus on the city’s potential as a WNBA market.

Historical Significance

This acquisition is the most expensive in WNBA history, far surpassing the $10 million paid for the Atlanta Dream in 2021 and the $2 million paid for the Las Vegas Aces in 2020. It underscores the increasing value and investment in women’s basketball.

Future Prospects

Pagliuca’s group has already engaged with the WNBA office to advocate for Boston’s inclusion in future expansion plans. The move to Boston aligns with the league’s broader strategy to tap into major markets and enhance the overall fan experience.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.