Connecticut Sun’s Hartford Move Faces Major Hurdles Despite Mayor’s Push

# Connecticut Sun’s Hartford Hopes Dim Despite Mayor’s Optimism

The Connecticut Sun’s future hangs in the balance as new bids emerge to relocate the WNBA franchise from its longtime home at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam wants to keep the team in Connecticut by bringing them to the capital city, but there are big obstacles in the way.

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The team’s commitment to Uncasville only runs through 2026. Potential new ownership groups are eyeing both in-state and out-of-state locations for what’s next.

Competing Bids Create Uncertainty for Connecticut Sun’s Future

The Connecticut Sun, a staple of women’s pro basketball in the state since 2003, is facing an uncertain future as buyers with different plans step up. The Mohegan Tribe, which has owned the team from the start, looks ready to sell, sparking a bidding war that could change the region’s basketball landscape.

Boston Bid Threatens to Pull Team from Connecticut

Boston Celtics minority owner Stephen Pagliuca has put forward the biggest offer so far, proposing $325 million to buy and move the Sun to Boston. He’s also promising $100 million for a new practice facility in Massachusetts.

If that happens, it could spell the end of the team’s two-decade run in eastern Connecticut, where fans from Norwich, New London, and nearby towns have shown up year after year. On the other hand, a Connecticut-based group led by former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry has countered with a $300 million offer to bring the team to Hartford.

Their plan includes a new practice facility near Constitution Plaza. That could breathe new life into part of the capital city and keep the team local.

Hartford’s Basketball Legacy and the Mayor’s Vision

Mayor Arulampalam keeps talking up Hartford’s deep connection to women’s basketball. The capital city sits close to what many call the epicenter of the sport, with the University of Connecticut’s powerhouse program just minutes away in Storrs.

“Hartford has a rich basketball tradition,” Arulampalam said recently. “From our days hosting UConn games at the XL Center to the passionate fans across central Connecticut, we believe the Sun belongs here in our state.”

WNBA’s Expansion Plans Complicate Relocation Efforts

The WNBA’s Board of Governors gets the final say on any team sale and relocation. Reports say the league isn’t keen on either the Boston or Hartford bids and would rather move the Sun to one of nine cities that recently applied for but didn’t get expansion teams.

That’s a real problem for Connecticut’s hopes of holding on to the team. Neither Hartford nor Boston took part in the recent expansion application process.

Cities like Houston, with its history hosting the former Comets franchise, might have a better shot in the league’s eyes at landing a relocated team.

Connecticut Communities Rally Despite Long Odds

Basketball fans across Connecticut—from Stamford to Waterbury, Bridgeport to New Haven—have shown real support for keeping the Sun in the state. The team’s time in Uncasville has built a loyal following, and they’ve often ranked high in WNBA attendance.

The financial realities and league preferences make things tough. If the Mohegan Tribe decides to sell, a few things stack the odds against Connecticut:

The Boston bid is $25 million more than Hartford’s.

The WNBA leans toward cities involved in recent expansion pushes.

Houston seems to be the league’s favorite pick.

Neither Hartford nor Boston actually applied for expansion franchises.

Mayor Arulampalam is still pushing to keep the Sun in Connecticut. But honestly, with the money and league priorities at play, fans might have to brace themselves for the team moving once the Mohegan Sun Arena agreement ends in 2026.

Here is the source article for this story: Connecticut Sun unlikely to move to Hartford despite mayor’s best efforts

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