The Connecticut Sun made their return to Boston for the second consecutive season, aiming to expand their reach beyond Uncasville, Conn., and connect with the New England basketball community. Recent discussions about a potential WNBA team in Boston have gained traction, with support from local officials and notable endorsements from players like rookie Saniya Rivers and veteran Tina Charles. Rivers expressed her preference for relocating the team to Boston, citing the advantages of a larger market for promoting women’s basketball. “The marketing here itself is just going to be better,” she stated.
Tina Charles, who has strong ties to New England through her time at UConn, noted the excitement that having a WNBA team in the region would bring, inspiring both young girls and boys to dream and aim high. “The support, everyone that came out, I know everybody would love it to happen. So, God willing, they get it,” she expressed.
As the WNBA looks to expand to 18 teams by 2030, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted that the future of the Sun in Connecticut is closely tied to the Mohegan Tribe’s decisions on their assets, including the team. The Tribe is reportedly evaluating strategic options, including a potential sale of the team as they handle significant financial obligations.
On another front, the Sun’s games in Boston have proven popular, with their most recent match at TD Garden drawing 19,156 fans—an indicator of the growing enthusiasm for women’s basketball in the area, underscored by TD Garden president Glen Thornborough’s acknowledgment of the electric atmosphere during the game.
However, the Connecticut Sun’s season has been challenging, currently holding a 3-19 record, the worst in the league. Despite this, there have been signs of improvement with competitive showings against strong teams. The Sun’s efforts in Boston have also included community engagement, with notable figures such as Governor Maura Healey and NBA star Jaylen Brown showing interest in supporting the team.
As the Connecticut Sun focus on building a presence in Boston while navigating a difficult season, the momentum and community support indicate that the WNBA could find a prosperous home in the city in the near future.
Overall, this past season’s initiatives highlight a commitment to fostering women’s basketball in larger markets, which could lead to exciting developments for fans in New England.