By Tiffany Williams –
The growing push to bring a WNBA franchise to Boston has reached a new inflection point, catalyzed by back-to-back sellouts of Connecticut Sun games at TD Garden and a coordinated campaign by state and city officials—including Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell. While the Mohegan Tribe, owners of the Connecticut Sun, have not committed to selling or relocating the team, Boston’s political leaders are making it clear: the city is ready for the WNBA.
Brian Worrell has emerged as one of the most vocal advocates for bringing a WNBA team to Boston. As the sponsor of a resolution passed unanimously by the Boston City Council, Worrell has laid the groundwork for both legislative momentum and public-private collaboration. His approach is multifaceted—encouraging direct engagement with WNBA leadership and potential investor groups, while also publicly championing Boston as the league’s next flagship city.
“We’re encouraging all investor groups to bring that team here to the city of champs,” Worrell said. His strategy blends grassroots enthusiasm with a targeted message to decision-makers in both the league and the private sector: Boston is not just interested, it’s strategically positioned to make it work.
Worrell’s emphasis on seamless venue access, strong local support, and no need for new construction reinforces Boston’s appeal. “We won’t need to build additional facilities,” he noted, positioning Boston as an expansion-ready city with the infrastructure already in place.
The Connecticut Sun, currently owned by the Mohegan Tribe, has become a focal point in Boston’s WNBA efforts due to its proximity and proven track record. The team draws well at Mohegan Sun Arena, but the unprecedented sellouts at TD Garden—drawing over 19,000 fans each—underscore the market potential Boston offers.
Despite the hype, relocating the Sun wouldn’t be simple. The Mohegan Tribe has engaged an investment bank to explore the team’s future, and while Boston is one of the interested markets, reports suggest the Tribe prefers to keep the team in Connecticut. The Sun’s estimated value sits around $80 million—well below the WNBA’s current expansion franchise valuations, which can range from $250 million to over $500 million.
Relocating would also involve:
1) A potential WNBA relocation fee (comparable to $350–$600 million in other leagues).
2) Securing league approval.
3) Navigating potential legal, tribal sovereignty, and community impact issues in Connecticut.
Still, Boston’s sellout games and corporate market give it a powerful argument: a move could exponentially increase revenue and exposure for the franchise—and for the league.
Worrell and other local leaders appear open to either expansion or relocation. The ideal scenario may still be securing an expansion team, given the WNBA’s stated goal of reaching 18 teams by 2030. However, purchasing and relocating the Sun could be a faster and more immediate path.
That said, an expansion team would allow Boston to build something uniquely its own from the ground up—branding, identity, and community investment—without displacing an existing fan base. Groups like Boston Women’s Basketball Partners are reportedly pursuing this expansion path, signaling a long-term strategy.
Boston’s bid isn’t just about sports. It’s about equity, civic pride, and a belief that women’s professional sports should have a place at the highest level in one of America’s greatest sports cities. Worrell’s leadership has amplified that vision beyond politics—into classrooms, community centers, and sports camps.
The back-to-back sellouts, Aliyah Boston’s celebrated return, and the declarations of “WNBA Day” and “Aliyah Boston Day” are more than ceremonial—they’re a public mandate. As Worrell put it: “When you think of basketball, you think of Boston… why not have a WNBA team in the greatest sports city in the world?”
The Mohegan Tribe’s decision will likely come down to economics, alignment with tribal values, and long-term strategic fit. But make no mistake—Boston is positioning itself as the most compelling WNBA market without a team. With Councilor Worrell and city leaders leading the charge, the city’s case is stronger than ever.
Sports Insider Daily 