Full Breakdown
Uncertainty Surrounds Connecticut Sun's Future Amid Boston Speculation
2/17/2026, 12:25:00 PM
Current Situation of the Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribe, is exploring options for new investors or a potential sale, leading to speculation about the franchise's future location. Despite rumors suggesting that Boston could be a landing spot, Boston Women’s Basketball Partners spokesman AJ Gerritson clarified that the team is focused on maintaining its presence in Connecticut. He stated, “In terms of the path forward for us, it looks more and more like it’s going to be expansion,” indicating that the Sun is not currently seeking relocation.
Boston's Interest in WNBA Expansion
Boston's interest in acquiring a WNBA team has been evident, particularly after the success of the Connecticut Sun's game against the Los Angeles Sparks at TD Garden, which sold out. This event marked the first WNBA game in Boston and has led to plans for another matchup in July 2025 against the Indiana Fever. Former Sun guard DiJonai Carrington expressed hope that this would not be the last women's game in Boston, emphasizing the positive crowd energy during the game.
Expansion Landscape and Boston's Position
The WNBA is set to expand, with three new teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia by 2030, bringing the league's total to 18 teams. Boston did not submit a bid for this latest expansion round, raising concerns about missing an opportunity for immediate inclusion. However, Gerritson remains optimistic about future expansion rounds, indicating that Boston Women’s Basketball Partners plans to bid when the opportunity arises.
Advocacy for a Boston Franchise
Support for a WNBA franchise in Boston is growing, with notable advocates including Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. She has publicly stated her commitment to supporting efforts to bring a team to Boston, asserting, “We should have one in Boston. We’re a great market for it.” This sentiment is echoed by former Sun head coach Stephanie White, who believes that Boston's strong sports fan base makes it an ideal location for a WNBA team.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm for a Boston franchise, the lack of a formal bid during the recent expansion round has drawn criticism from some local basketball advocates who feel that the city should have been more proactive in securing a team. The absence of a bid raises questions about Boston's readiness to embrace a WNBA franchise in the near future.
What's Next for the Connecticut Sun and Boston
As the Connecticut Sun continues to seek investment options, the future of the franchise remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Boston Women’s Basketball Partners is preparing for potential future expansion opportunities, aiming to position Boston as a viable candidate for a WNBA team. The next steps will depend on the outcomes of ongoing discussions regarding team ownership and the league's expansion strategy.
Verbatim Quotes
“Definitely hope this isn’t the last time that there’s a women’s game here, especially for our team,” — DiJonai Carrington, Former Sun Guard
“I think when we think about WNBA and fandom in general, great sports fan base here in the New England area, in the Boston area. I think that this opportunity for us as the Connecticut Sun to expand our footprint into Boston and to see the results with a sold-out crowd, I think it’s a no-brainer.” — Stephanie White, Former Sun Head Coach
“We should have one in Boston. We’re a great market for it,” — Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts
“We actually see the [recent] expansion as a great step forward,” — AJ Gerritson, Spokesman for Boston Women’s Basketball Partners
