There is now an answer to one of the WNBA’s biggest questions. The Connecticut Sun is being sold to Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, for $300 million.
This marks the largest sale in WNBA history.
What Led Up to This?
This comes after the WNBA refused to accept a $325 million sale proposal from Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca last August. What made Houston stand out from the get-go was that the league would align its own teams with NBA ownership.
While Connecticut is known as the “Basketball Capital of the World,” some people still argued for the team to stay in the state. This included a possible move to Hartford, the state’s capital. Governor Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong led this initiative.
Tong sent a letter to the league last fall saying that their ability to interfere with several possible sales, including one to keep the team in-state, was “anticompetitive and may violate state and federal law.” Despite these vocalizations, the league continued to move forward with granting Houston a new opportunity.
What’s on the Horizon for the Sun?
Despite being one of the WNBA’s original teams, the Houston Comets folded in 2008. Fertitta plans to continue Houston’s legacy as the Comets for their reintroduction coming in 2027.
With the Connecticut Sun’s final season quickly approaching, there have come some branding changes to make this one extra special. On April 2, team management announced what will be called the “Sunset Season.” Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti gave her input.
“The Sunset Season is our opportunity to celebrate an incredible legacy built together with our fans, players, partners, and the Connecticut and Greater New England community,” Rizzotti stated.
The Connecticut Sun plans to honor its last season with several events to commemorate its WNBA history and legacy. There will also be several changes to the Sun’s visual appearance.
Rather than the Connecticut Sun logo many fans are used to, there will be a new Sunset Season logo. This new design will be showcased on digital platforms, merchandise, and inside the Mohegan Sun Arena. While in the arena, fans will also be able to appreciate the debut of the sunset-themed basketball court.
The Sun also plans to honor both coaches and players who shaped the team over the past two decades. This includes a Homecoming game that brings together past players and current fans to honor the past and look to the future.
A Legacy Worth Leaving
“What I don’t want people to forget is the Mohegan Tribe stepped up when nobody wanted a WNBA team, and there were NBA owners folding franchises left and right,” Rizzotti also stated.
After being around for 23 years, the Sun are looking to serve Connecticut fans one last season. Rather than sulking, the team is choosing to celebrate the impact they’ve created on the league. This is the same impact that will last throughout the league for years to come.
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