WNBA Blocks $325M Connecticut Sun Sale, Seeks Relocation Control

The Connecticut Sun's proposed $325 million sale to Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca, which included plans to relocate the team to Boston, has been blocked by the WNBA. The league is asserting control over franchise locations, citing territorial restrictions that prevent relocating the team outside a 75-mile radius of Montville, Connecticut, and prefers to move the Sun to a city that submitted a formal expansion bid, such as Nashville, Denver, Miami, or Charlotte. The Mohegan Tribe, the team's owner since 2003, is frustrated with the WNBA's stance, viewing the league's offer of $250 million and preferred relocation cities as undervaluing the franchise and limiting their options. Despite multiple proposals from the tribe, including selling to Pagliuca, former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry, or selling a minority stake, the WNBA has maintained its position, effectively sidelining Boston's bid due to the city not participating in the recent expansion process. The situation remains unresolved, with the WNBA emphasizing its expansion strategy and market priorities over ownership preferences, causing uncertainty about the Sun's future and potential relocation. The dispute highlights tensions between franchise owners and league officials over control and valuation amid the WNBA's growth and expansion efforts.