Connecticut AG Demands WNBA Documents in Sun Sale Investigation

The future of the Connecticut Sun, the WNBA’s beloved franchise based in Uncasville, is suddenly at the heart of a messy standoff between state leaders and league officials. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong isn’t happy—he’s raising red flags about what he sees as anticompetitive and potentially unlawful actions by the WNBA in how they’re handling the team’s possible sale.

There’s a lot of money on the line, relocation rumors swirling, and Connecticut lawmakers are digging in to keep the Sun here at home.

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WNBA Sale Process Under Scrutiny

Attorney General Tong says reports point to the WNBA actively blocking legitimate sales of the Connecticut Sun. He thinks this hurts both the team and the state.

In a letter to the league, Tong said he’s “troubled” by what looks like interference. He’s especially concerned about claims that the WNBA wants the Sun to sell straight to the league for a price well below what it’s actually worth.

Concerns Over Undervaluation

The Sun’s owners have apparently gotten two full sale offers—both around a hefty $325 million. But the WNBA has supposedly countered with just $250 million.

This gap—tens of millions—has state officials fuming. It also raises bigger questions about how women’s professional sports leagues handle franchise sales.

Relocation Proposals and League Resistance

Both current bids would move the team out of Uncasville. One would send the Sun to Boston, while the other keeps them in Connecticut, shifting to Hartford instead.

The WNBA, though, has shot down both offers. They say any city wanting a franchise has to go through a formal expansion process first.

Impact on Connecticut Cities

If the Sun moved to Hartford, it could fire up basketball fans in the capital region and tie the team to other major sports and entertainment venues. Cities like New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, and Stamford would likely benefit too, whether from more tourism or local events.

For a lot of local leaders, keeping the team anywhere in Connecticut—Hartford, Uncasville, wherever—remains a big economic and cultural priority.

State Efforts to Keep the Sun in Connecticut

Connecticut officials have fired back at the WNBA’s stance by putting together a plan to buy a minority stake in the team using state-affiliated investment funds. This move would let the Sun stay tied to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville or maybe set up shop in another Connecticut city, all while keeping local voices in the mix.

Attorney General’s Document Request

Tong has formally asked for a stack of internal WNBA documents, including:

Operating Agreement
Membership Agreement
Operating Manual
League Rules
Official team valuations

He wants to see if the WNBA’s actions break antitrust laws or count as unfair business practices.

The Bigger Picture for Women’s Basketball

This fight isn’t just about one team. The Connecticut Sun have played a big role in the WNBA since moving from Orlando in 2003, and their stability shapes the league’s future growth.

Cities like Middletown and Norwalk are also voicing support for keeping women’s pro sports strong in Connecticut. It’s not just business—it’s about pride, too.

What Happens Next?

State representatives have asked to meet with the WNBA about the team’s future. Whether the league hands over the records the Attorney General wants will shape what happens next.

Connecticut officials seem ready to fight—politically and maybe even in court—to keep the Sun in the state. That’s not something they’re taking lightly.

As all this unfolds, basketball fans from Uncasville to Hartford are paying close attention. Folks from the shoreline to the Naugatuck Valley are watching too.

The result of this battle could change where the Sun play their home games. It might also affect how women’s pro teams handle ownership changes all across the country.

Here is the source article for this story: Connecticut AG asks WNBA for Sun sale docs

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