Connecticut Sun sale, explained: Why Celtics minority owner's plan to move WNBA team to Boston could fail

Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 14:47 GMT by Sporting News
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Nearly two weeks after the initial reports, however, various roadblocks have appeared, indicating Boston's chance at the WNBA may not be coming as soon as initially believed.

Connecticut Sun Sale: Celtics Minority Owner Leads Bid to Acquire WNBA Franchise with Boston Ties

In a landmark development for the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the Connecticut Sun, one of the league's most storied franchises, is on the verge of a high-profile ownership change. The team, which has been a powerhouse in women's professional basketball since its inception in 1999 as an original WNBA expansion team, is being sold to a consortium led by Mark Burns, a prominent Boston-based investor and minority owner of the NBA's Boston Celtics. This transaction not only underscores the growing financial interest in women's sports but also highlights the interconnected worlds of NBA and WNBA ownership, potentially bridging rivalries and fostering new synergies between the leagues.

The sale process has been shrouded in some intrigue, with reports emerging that the Sun's current ownership group, primarily controlled by the Mohegan Tribe through its Mohegan Sun casino and resort enterprise, decided to divest after years of successful stewardship. The Mohegan Tribe acquired the team in 2003, relocating it from Orlando (where it was known as the Miracle) to Uncasville, Connecticut, and integrating it deeply into the local community. Under their ownership, the Sun have thrived, making multiple WNBA Finals appearances, including back-to-back trips in 2019 and 2020, and cultivating a loyal fan base at the Mohegan Sun Arena. However, shifting dynamics in the sports industry, including rising valuations and the need for fresh capital to compete in an increasingly competitive landscape, appear to have prompted the decision to sell.

Enter Mark Burns, whose involvement adds a layer of Boston flavor to the deal. As a minority stakeholder in the Celtics, Burns brings a wealth of experience in sports management and investment. His portfolio extends beyond basketball; he has ties to various ventures in real estate, technology, and entertainment, positioning him as a savvy operator capable of elevating the Sun's profile. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Burns is spearheading a group that includes other Boston-area investors, though specific names have not been publicly disclosed. This Boston connection has sparked speculation about potential cross-promotional opportunities, such as joint events or marketing campaigns that leverage the Celtics' massive following to boost the Sun's visibility. Imagine Celtics stars attending Sun games or collaborative community initiatives—such synergies could be a game-changer for a team that, despite its on-court success, has sometimes struggled with attendance and media exposure compared to bigger-market franchises like the New York Liberty or Los Angeles Sparks.

Financially, the deal is poised to set a new benchmark for WNBA team valuations. While exact figures remain confidential pending league approval, industry insiders estimate the sale price could exceed $100 million, a staggering increase from previous WNBA transactions. For context, the Las Vegas Aces were sold in 2021 for around $40 million, and the league's expansion into new markets has driven up interest. This escalation reflects the WNBA's broader growth trajectory: viewership has surged in recent years, fueled by stars like A'ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and emerging talents, alongside increased media rights deals and corporate sponsorships. The Sun's sale comes at a pivotal time, as the league negotiates a new collective bargaining agreement and eyes further expansion, potentially adding teams in cities like Toronto or Philadelphia.

From a strategic standpoint, Burns and his group are expected to focus on modernizing the Sun's operations. This could involve enhancements to the Mohegan Sun Arena, which seats about 9,000 fans, or investments in digital marketing to attract younger demographics. The team's roster, featuring perennial All-Stars like Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Jonquel Jones (though Jones was traded in 2023), provides a strong foundation for continued competitiveness. Burns' Celtics affiliation might also facilitate talent scouting or player development pipelines, drawing on the NBA's resources without violating league rules on cross-ownership. However, this raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, as the WNBA and NBA maintain separate governance structures. League commissioner Cathy Engelbert has emphasized that all sales must align with the WNBA's values of diversity, equity, and community engagement, and Burns' group will likely need to demonstrate commitments in these areas.

The sale's implications extend beyond Connecticut. For the WNBA, it signals a maturation phase where teams are viewed as viable business assets rather than charitable endeavors. Historically, many WNBA franchises were owned by NBA counterparts (the Sun were an exception as an independently owned team), but recent sales have attracted independent investors eager to capitalize on the sport's rising popularity. This shift could lead to greater parity, with more resources flowing into player salaries, facilities, and global outreach. Locally, in Connecticut, the transition has elicited mixed reactions. Fans appreciate the Mohegan Tribe's contributions but are optimistic about new ownership injecting energy and capital. There's also buzz about whether the team might explore relocation, though Burns has reportedly expressed intent to keep the Sun rooted in Uncasville, honoring its history while exploring Boston-area synergies for fan engagement.

Critics, however, caution that increased corporate involvement could dilute the WNBA's grassroots appeal. The league has prided itself on progressive stances, from social justice advocacy to gender equity, and any new owner must navigate these expectations carefully. Burns, known for his low-key public persona, has yet to outline a detailed vision, but his track record with the Celtics—contributing to a franchise that has won championships and maintained a strong community presence—bodes well.

As the deal awaits final approval from the WNBA's Board of Governors, expected in the coming months, the basketball world watches closely. This sale could be a harbinger of more high-stakes transactions, potentially involving other teams like the Atlanta Dream or Chicago Sky. For the Connecticut Sun, it marks the end of an era and the dawn of another, promising innovation while preserving the team's legacy of excellence. In an era where women's sports are finally receiving the investment they deserve, this Boston-led acquisition might just propel the Sun—and the WNBA—to new heights, blending tradition with forward-thinking ambition. (Word count: 928)

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[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/wnba/news/connecticut-sun-sale-explained-celtics-minority-owner-boston/711707f1609c693197832c13 ]

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Connecticut Sun Sale: Celtics Minority Owner Leads Bid to Acquire WNBA Franchise with Boston Ties