On August 2, 2025, Steve Pagliuca, minority governor of the Boston Celtics, agreed to purchase the Connecticut Sun for a record $325 million, aiming to relocate the team to Boston’s TD Garden. This move, involving Caitlin Clark WNBA rival relocation, also includes a $100 million donation toward a new practice facility in Boston.
The transaction sets a new high-water mark for valuations within women’s professional sports, vastly surpassing the $10 million price the Mohegan Tribe paid for the Sun franchise in 2003. Alongside the acquisition, Pagliuca plans a substantial investment in western Massachusetts to create a state-of-the-art training center, filling a critical need for the team.
Transition from Uncasville to Boston’s Premier Arena
Since moving from Orlando in 2002, the Connecticut Sun have been consistent playoff contenders and the first WNBA team to turn regular profits. Despite on-court success, the franchise operated without a dedicated practice facility, relying on shared community centers, a limitation that hindered further growth.
Boston’s TD Garden has proven to be a promising new home, with the Sun playing two sellout games there recently, signaling strong market demand. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed strong support, highlighting Boston’s rich sports culture and its potential to boost the profile of women’s basketball.
Nevertheless, the WNBA Board of Governors must approve this relocation, as league leadership emphasizes relocation decisions require collective agreement. Boston was not an original candidate in the latest expansion, adding complexity to the approval process.
Significance and Prospects for the Future
This landmark deal marks a transformative moment for the Connecticut Sun franchise and the WNBA more broadly. Relocating Caitlin Clark’s WNBA rival to a prominent arena like the TD Garden could heighten league visibility, fan engagement, and commercial opportunities. The proposed new practice facility underlines a commitment to long-term competitiveness and improved player development.
If the sale and relocation receive league approval, Boston will gain a prominent WNBA presence that complements its existing basketball heritage, potentially reshaping the regional sports landscape and energizing local supporters.