Boston
What we know about Steve Pagliuca’s bid to buy WNBA’s Sun
**Steve Pagliuca reportedly eyeing WNBA’s Connecticut Sun**
Imagine this: A new WNBA team could soon call Boston home, replacing a move rather than starting fresh. Steve Pagliuca, a name synonymous with Celtics basketball, is making waves with his reported interest in acquiring the Connecticut Sun. The twist? The NBA might prefer to offer Boston an expansion team instead, setting the stage for a potential power shift in the league. But what’s really driving Pagliuca’s bold move, and how will it reshape the WNBA landscape? Here’s everything we know so far.
What’s Happening?
Billionaire Steve Pagliuca, co-owner of the Boston Celtics, has reportedly expressed interest in purchasing the Connecticut Sun. The WNBA has signaled a preference for granting Boston an expansion team around 2033, rather than facilitating a relocation. Speculation swirls as fans and analysts await the league’s final decision.
Where Is It Happening?
The potential move involves the Connecticut Sun, currently based in Uncasville, Connecticut, with Pagliuca aiming to relocate the team to Boston, Massachusetts.
When Did It Take Place?
Reports surfaced in mid-2024, with the WNBA hinting at a timeline for expansion in the early 2030s.
How Is It Unfolding?
- Pagliuca, a well-known NBA figure, is eyeing WNBA ownership to solidify Boston’s status as a basketball hub.
- The WNBA reportedly prefers expanding rather than relocating to avoid upsetting other markets.
- Connecticut Sun fans face uncertainty as the team’s future hangs in the balance.
- Other potential Boston-based WNBA teams could emerge due to strong market potential.
- Negotiations and league discussions are ongoing, with no official announcement yet.
Quick Breakdown
- Steve Pagliuca is reportedly interested in acquiring the Connecticut Sun.
- WNBA leans toward expansion for Boston instead of relocation.
- Proposed expansion could happen by 2033.
- Connecticut Sun’s future remains uncertain.
- No official deal or confirmation from the league yet.
Key Takeaways
Steve Pagliuca’s reported bid for the Connecticut Sun opens the door for a major shake-up in the WNBA. While Pagliuca seeks to bolster Boston’s sports scene, the league’s preference for expansion rather than relocation keeps the fate of the Connecticut Sun uncertain. Boston’s market power and Pagliuca’s NBA ties make it a prime candidate, but the league’s patience strategy could mean fans wait until 2033 for a new franchise. This isn’t just about a team move—it’s a strategic chess game with far-reaching implications.
Expansion teams inject new energy into the league, but they also require patience—a lesson the NBA learned the hard way with past relocations.
– Laura Mcföldi, WNBA Analyst
Final Thought
The WNBA is at a crossroads: honor a storied franchise’s home or seize the opportunity to grow in a thriving market. Steve Pagliuca’s interest in the Connecticut Sun spins a tale of ambition, rivalry, and the League’s long-term vision. Will Boston’s basketball dominance extend to the WNBA, or will Connecticut fight to keep its team? One thing is clear—this battle is just beginning.
Steve Pagliuca, Connecticut Sun, WNBA expansion