What started as a major ownership shake-up for the Connecticut Sun has turned into something much bigger—a full-on tug-of-war between two basketball heavyweights, both with very different visions for the team’s future.
Former Celtics Co-Owner Makes Record-Breaking Bid
Steve Pagliuca, the former co-owner of the NBA’s Boston Celtics, has led a group that submitted a jaw-dropping $325 million offer to buy the Connecticut Sun.
If accepted, it would become the most expensive purchase of a women’s professional sports team in history.
But the offer comes with a major twist—Pagliuca wants to move the team to Boston and start playing there as soon as 2027.
His plan doesn’t stop there either; reports say his group is also ready to pump another $100 million into building a new practice facility.
Another Contender Enters the Ring—With a Very Different Vision
While Pagliuca’s bid has grabbed headlines, it might not be the only one on the table.
Marc Lasry, the former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, is reportedly in active competition to take over the Sun.
Unlike Pagliuca, Lasry wants to keep the team in Connecticut, staying true to the franchise’s roots.
The battle between the two groups isn’t just about money—it’s about location, loyalty, and legacy.
Tribal Approval Secured, But WNBA League Decision Still Pending
Pagliuca’s offer has already cleared a major hurdle.
It’s been accepted by the Mohegan Tribe, which currently owns the Sun, and was formally presented to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert last month.
However, it still needs to be approved by the WNBA Board of Governors before anything can move forward.
Until that happens, nothing is finalized.
Public Statement Stirs the Pot
Pagliuca’s group, known as PagsGroup, released a public update on X (formerly Twitter) over the weekend, confirming their intent to purchase the team.
The statement was notable for its broad wording—while it didn’t outright mention Boston, it talked about moving the team to “larger capacity arenas in New England.”
The group also emphasized that their bid is supported by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee, presenting it as a serious, region-backed effort to elevate the WNBA in New England.
“We believe our record-setting offer and deep commitment to growing the WNBA in the region that is home to the most passionate basketball fans in the nation will significantly benefit the league, the team, and all its fans,” the statement read.
Connecticut Sun’s History and Current Struggles
The Connecticut Sun have been based in Uncasville, Connecticut since 2003, playing home games at the Mohegan Sun Arena, a 10,000-seat venue.
They’re one of three WNBA teams that don’t share a city with an NBA team—alongside Seattle and Las Vegas.
Unfortunately, this season has been tough for the Sun.
After making the playoffs for eight straight years, they now sit at the bottom of the league with a 5-22 record.
What Happens Next?
All eyes are now on the WNBA’s Board of Governors, who hold the power to greenlight or block Pagliuca’s bold Boston relocation plan.
At the same time, Lasry may put forward a competing offer that appeals to fans and officials who want to keep the Sun in Connecticut.
Whether the Sun stay put or get a new start in Boston, one thing’s clear: this is a major turning point for the franchise—and possibly for the WNBA as a whole.