WNBA's Sun Exploring Possible Sale of Franchise, President Says 'All Options' on Table

Major changes could be coming for the Connecticut Sun as the team's ownership is exploring the possibility of selling the franchise.

Per The Athletic's Ben Pickman, Sun president Jennifer Rizzotti said "all options are on the table" regarding a possible sale of the team.

Pickman noted that some of those options could be a majority sale that either leads to relocation or keeps the team in Connecticut, or a minority sale of the team.

The Sun franchise began as the Orlando Miracle in 1999 but was moved to Connecticut in 2003 after being purchased by the Mohegan Tribe, which has owned the team for the past 22 seasons.

The team plays at Mohegan Sun Arena and practices either there or at the Mohegan Tribal Community and Government Center.

According to Pickman, a spokesperson for Mohegan Tribal Leadership said that "infrastructure improvements are being looked at to ensure the team's growth and success in the league."

Pickman noted that the possible sale of the team comes amid significant debt for the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, the parent company of the team. According to Pickman, the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority's total debt was $3.1 billion, but a "significant refinancing transaction" helped move $1.2 billion of that debt from 2026 and 2027 to 2030 and 2031.

Selling the Sun likely wouldn't eliminate that debt, but it could help make a significant dent in it. Sportico gave the franchise a valuation of $80 million last year, but a period of growth for the WNBA as a whole could help drive that number up before a sale.

While a sale could be on the horizon, Rizzotti clarified there is no timetable for either a majority or minority sale.

Until then, players, coaches and the front office will stay focused on the season ahead. Connecticut tips off its 2025 campaign on Sunday against the Washington Mystics.