Full Breakdown
Connecticut Sun’s Final TD Garden Games Mark End of WNBA Era in New England
8/19/2026, 12:18:24 AM
Connecticut Sun’s Last Season at TD Garden
The Connecticut Sun will play their third and final game at Boston’s TD Garden this week, after which the franchise is slated to relocate to Houston following the 2026 season. The move follows the WNBA’s rapid approval of the sale to Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for a reported $300 million. With only four home games remaining, the Sun’s departure signals the conclusion of women’s professional basketball in the region for the foreseeable future.
Background and Recent Developments
When the Sun first hosted the Los Angeles Sparks at TD Garden in 2024, team president Jennifer Rizzotti framed the franchise as representing the entire New England area, likening its regional appeal to that of the Patriots and Celtics. A year later, former Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca entertained a potential purchase that could have moved the team to Boston, but the league rejected the proposal and instead approved Fertitta’s deal. The WNBA added two expansion teams this season—Toronto and Portland—and announced three more will join by 2030, though Boston is not among the slated markets. Celtics owner Bill Chisholm has expressed interest in pursuing a future expansion slot for Boston, citing the city’s status as “the birthplace of basketball.” Commissioner Cathy Engelbert echoed the sentiment, noting New England’s strong fan base and indicating that a Boston team could be considered in a potential 2030s expansion round.
Official Statements & Responses
Chisholm said Boston “should have a team” and that the organization would “expedite” the process when the league reopens expansion. The WNBA issued a statement affirming the connection built with New England fans over the Sun’s tenure.
Data and Statistics
- Average WNBA franchise valuation: $427 million, a 59 % year-over-year increase (Sportico).
- Reported sale price of the Sun: $300 million.
- Expansion fees for new teams: $250 million each, with three upcoming franchises tied to NBA ownership.
- 2026 attendance rose 16 % by the All-Star break, and the league’s viewership exceeded the previous season’s totals.
- Salary cap increased nearly fivefold to $7 million after the latest collective bargaining agreement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t want to wait. I don’t want Boston or New England to have to wait that long,” — Maura Healey, Massachusetts governor
