Connecticut Officials Push To Keep WNBA Sun In State Amid Pending Sale

Connecticut officials and community leaders are actively campaigning to keep the WNBA's Connecticut Sun team in the state amid reports that the franchise is up for sale and may move to Boston. Hartford Mayor Arunan Alampalam and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, supported by Gov. Ned Lamont, emphasize the city's readiness to host the team at PeoplesBank Arena and highlight Connecticut's rich basketball heritage, particularly the University of Connecticut's success in women's basketball. Despite competitive bids from Boston and Hartford, the WNBA has reportedly expressed no intention to keep the team in Connecticut and has even proposed purchasing the team itself, offering a lower price than private bids. The Sun enjoy strong local support, with record-high attendance and a sold-out season ticket base, reinforcing their economic and cultural value to Connecticut. State officials criticize the WNBA and outside corporate interests for blocking the deal that would keep the team in Connecticut, framing it as against the wishes of the team owners and local fanbase. Meanwhile, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey advocates for bringing the team to Boston, intensifying the competition, but Connecticut residents and officials remain determined to retain the Sun as a key part of the state's sports identity.