The Connecticut Sun’s $325 million sale has hit a major roadblock, opening the door for competing bids and potential relocation.
In July, billionaire investor Steve Pagliuca reached a deal with the Mohegan Tribe to purchase the Sun for a record-setting $325 million. However, the agreement stalled after WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert did not present the offer to the league’s board of governors, allowing Pagliuca’s exclusivity period to expire.
Now, former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry has matched the $325 million price tag. Pagliuca’s vision includes relocating the team to Boston, while Lasry prefers keeping them in Hartford, Connecticut—though reports indicate the WNBA is not in favor of Hartford as a long-term home.
Relocation Fee Could Decide the Winner
Sources close to the negotiations reveal that a relocation fee, paid to the WNBA on top of the sale price, may be the deciding factor in which bidder wins. The league will not receive any proceeds from the sale itself, increasing the importance of a relocation fee to finalize approval.
Houston Is the League’s Preferred Destination
While Boston and Hartford are in the mix, Houston has emerged as the WNBA’s preferred relocation city. Houston’s bid, led by Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, initially fell short of the $250 million expansion fee paid by Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. However, if Fertitta matches the $325 million sale price and adds a relocation fee, the league would reportedly favor moving the Sun to Houston.
Engelbert has been clear about Houston’s priority status, publicly stating that the city is “up next” for expansion or relocation consideration.
WNBA’s Changing Business Model
Historically, WNBA team sales and relocations have been approved quickly—such as the 2008 move of the Detroit Shock to Tulsa. But with expansion fees now generating huge revenue—$750 million from Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia alone—the league is taking a more calculated, hands-on approach to team movements.
The WNBA has a strong preference for awarding franchises to NBA-affiliated ownership groups due to their arena infrastructure and operational experience. Four of the six expansion franchises since 2023 have gone to NBA owners, with the other two going to groups holding NBA stakes.
Because no Boston-based ownership group submitted an expansion bid in the last round, the league is prioritizing nine other cities that previously lost out—Houston being a leading contender.
What’s Next for the Connecticut Sun?
The future of the Sun will likely hinge on which buyer can meet both the $325 million purchase price and a substantial relocation fee. If Fertitta’s Houston bid comes together, the WNBA could fast-track the move, aligning with its expansion strategy and market priorities.
With the league’s business growing at unprecedented levels, the Connecticut Sun sale could set a new benchmark for franchise valuations, relocation policies, and the WNBA’s broader expansion plans.