Connecticut Sun Assure Fans of Stability Amid Ownership Questions and Competitive Challenges
In the heart of Uncasville, Connecticut, where basketball has long thrived under the unique ownership of the Mohegan Tribe, the Connecticut Sun organization sought to calm the waters this week. As rumors swirled and speculation grew about the franchise’s future, the team sent a direct message to its most loyal supporters — the season ticket holders — to reaffirm its commitment to remaining in its current home arena through at least 2026. In an official letter emailed Wednesday morning, the franchise declared that the Mohegan Sun Arena will continue to host Sun games beyond the current season, easing concerns about possible relocation or upheaval.
“We understand there’s been significant chatter in the media recently regarding the long-term outlook of our organization,” the letter acknowledged. “But let us be clear: the Connecticut Sun will be competing in the 2026 WNBA season at Mohegan Sun Arena.”
The public confirmation, though brief, was crucial for a franchise navigating a turbulent time — both on and off the court. While the message to fans aimed to dispel immediate fears of relocation, many questions still linger about the Sun’s future, especially after a confirmation earlier this year that ownership is in the midst of a formal strategic review.
Jennifer Rizzotti, the team’s president, disclosed in May that the Mohegan Tribe, which has owned the Sun for over 20 years, had begun re-evaluating its investment in the WNBA team. This assessment reportedly includes considering the potential sale of the franchise. To that end, the Mohegan Tribe enlisted the services of Allen & Company, a prominent investment firm with experience in high-level sports transactions. Notably, Allen & Company is also deeply involved with the WNBA’s current expansion process, positioning them as a trusted advisor for the league during a transformative era.
The timing of this ownership review is not coincidental. The WNBA is undergoing a historic period of growth, marked by increasing television ratings, broader sponsorships, and major infrastructure developments across the league. The financial demands of owning and maintaining a competitive team have risen significantly, driven by a growing emphasis on elite facilities and professional-level resources.
In recent years, several WNBA franchises have made bold investments in infrastructure. The Las Vegas Aces set a precedent in 2023 by unveiling the league’s first dedicated training facility, a move that signaled the beginning of a new era. Since then, several other teams have followed suit. The Phoenix Mercury, for example, opened a $100 million facility in 2024, showcasing an unwavering commitment to elite performance and player development. Even the more modest facility planned by the Chicago Sky comes with a price tag exceeding $38 million, while the Seattle Storm offset the cost of their $64 million facility by selling a minority stake in the franchise.
In sharp contrast, the Connecticut Sun have yet to announce — or even hint at — plans to build a comparable training site. They remain the only WNBA team without access to a professional-grade training center outside of their arena. This absence of investment has created serious challenges for the players and coaching staff. When the Mohegan Sun Arena is unavailable, the team is forced to train in the gymnasium at the Mohegan Community & Government Center. While technically functional, the space lacks the exclusivity and professionalism expected in a modern sports environment. On more than one occasion, the gym has been double-booked, with non-basketball activities, including children’s birthday parties, interfering with practices — even during critical times such as the playoffs.
The Atlanta Dream, a fellow WNBA franchise without a dedicated team-owned practice facility, at least trains at the Core 4 Athletic Complex, a high-level facility that allows private scheduling and accommodates professional use. Connecticut’s training environment, in comparison, reflects the organization’s struggle to keep pace with the league’s rapid evolution.
Rizzotti has not been silent on these issues. She has frequently voiced the need for greater investment, making it clear that the current limitations are unsustainable if the franchise hopes to remain competitive. In May, she described a consistent effort to communicate with the Mohegan Tribe about the growing demands of WNBA ownership.
“This didn’t happen overnight,” Rizzotti said of the league’s dramatic transformation. “The past 18 months have seen exponential growth in the league, and we’ve had to gently but persistently encourage our ownership group to recognize that. We’ve talked about the need for investment in facilities, in infrastructure — all the things that define what it means to be a modern WNBA franchise.”
She emphasized that the Mohegan Tribe has been a stable and loyal steward of the Sun for over two decades, often standing at the forefront of league support. However, Rizzotti acknowledged that the current moment calls for more than tradition. It requires adaptation and bold decision-making in response to the WNBA’s new standards.
Unfortunately, the franchise’s current lack of resources is not merely a behind-the-scenes concern. The effects are showing up on the court. Following a remarkable stretch of postseason success — seven consecutive playoff appearances — the Connecticut Sun have taken a dramatic turn in 2025. As of late July, the team sits in last place in the league with a dismal 3-19 record. This drastic decline is linked directly to the exodus of key players during the offseason.
The entire 2024 starting five departed via trades or free agency, including stalwarts like longtime franchise cornerstone Alyssa Thomas, veteran star DeWanna Bonner, and All-Star big Brionna Jones. Thomas, one of the most respected and accomplished players in the league, was particularly vocal in explaining her decision to sign with the Phoenix Mercury. She pointed directly to the availability of superior training and support resources in Phoenix as a deciding factor.
The team’s attempt to reload by signing 2013 WNBA MVP Tina Charles did little to fill the void. While Charles brings experience and pedigree, her best playing days are behind her. At age 36, she is no longer the dominant force she once was and hasn’t been selected to an All-Star game since 2021. Her presence, while meaningful in a mentorship role, hasn’t translated into wins.
Additionally, the coaching situation added to the turmoil. Stephanie White, who led the team through multiple successful campaigns, left the organization to become the head coach of the Indiana Fever, another franchise on the rise. Her departure marked a significant loss in leadership and strategic direction.
Looking ahead, the 2025 offseason could bring even more instability. The expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement will trigger widespread free agency, and most veteran players across the league will become available. Without improvements in resources or facilities, Connecticut will likely struggle to attract top-tier talent. The franchise’s current status as a non-destination in the eyes of players is well-documented.
In The Athletic’s annual anonymous player survey, the Sun were ranked as the second worst-run team in the league, with only the Chicago Sky faring worse. While the on-court product matters, players are increasingly weighing factors like travel accommodations, practice quality, and franchise professionalism in their career decisions.
One anonymous WNBA player described the appeal of playing in Connecticut as limited due to logistical and geographic factors. “The travel and the location are unappealing,” she said bluntly.
Yet, despite these myriad challenges, the Connecticut Sun do have one undeniable strength that continues to anchor them: a loyal and passionate fan base. Even amid organizational uncertainty and poor on-court results, the franchise has never enjoyed greater support from its local community.
For the first time in franchise history, the Sun sold out their season ticket allotment before the season began. Their home attendance average in 2025 has surged to an all-time high of 9,384 fans per game — up nearly a thousand from the previous season. Mohegan Sun Arena has already hosted three sellout games this year, and the team continues to draw significant crowds even outside its home market. When the Sun played the Indiana Fever at TD Garden in Boston on July 15, they once again sold out the venue, with over 19,000 fans in attendance — marking the second consecutive season they’ve accomplished that feat.
This strong fan loyalty gives the franchise something many struggling organizations lack: a stable and enthusiastic revenue base. In theory, this consistent support should provide an incentive for the Mohegan Tribe — or a potential new owner — to reinvest in the team’s infrastructure. However, that remains to be seen.
The coming months will be critical for the Connecticut Sun. If the current ownership group moves forward with a sale, the league will be watching closely to ensure that any new ownership meets the growing expectations of modern WNBA franchises. If the tribe retains control, observers will expect renewed commitment to upgrades — from building a legitimate training facility to bolstering the team’s ability to recruit and retain top talent.
For now, though, the message from the team to its supporters is simple: we’re not going anywhere — not yet. The 2026 season will still be played in Mohegan Sun Arena. What happens beyond that depends on decisions being made now, both in boardrooms and behind the scenes.
- The Connecticut Sun find themselves at a crossroads — a team with rich history and loyal fans, but one that risks being left behind unless its leadership can rise to meet the moment. In an era where investment is everything, staying stagnant is no longer an option.
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