WNBA Drama Unfolds: Commissioner Under Fire as Record‐Breaking Connecticut Sun Sale Remains Stalled

Imagine a WNBA season scripted like a high‑stakes drama: the record‑setting $325 million purchase of the Connecticut Sun by Steve Pagliuca, a Boston Celtics minority owner, only to be halted — not by lack of funds but by silence. As fans, state officials, and ownership groups clamor for answers, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stands accused of holding the league hostage by never presenting the deal to the Board. A storm brews.

1. A Record Offer, a Grand Vision

In July 2025, Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca and his investor group reached an agreement with the Mohegan Tribe to purchase the Connecticut Sun — the WNBA franchise owned by the tribe since 2003 — for a staggering $325 million, shattering all previous valuations in women’s sports San Francisco Chronicle+15The Washington Post+15Reuters+15. Under the proposal, Pagliuca would also commit $100–110 million toward a world‑class practice facility in Boston, signaling a transformational shift not only for the team but for the league’s infrastructure The Washington Post+14Reuters+14deadspin.com+14.

Pagliuca envisions moving the franchise to Boston by 2027, with home games at TD Garden and representation for all of New England, arguing that a bigger market unlocks unmatched growth potential for the WNBA The Sun+2nbcsportsboston.com+2SB Nation+2. He even emphasized that as passionate sports fans in Massachusetts, he and his backers aim to build a championship-caliber franchise that honors the Sun’s legacy while energizing women’s basketball across the region Front Office Sports+15nbcboston.com+15CT Insider+15.

2. Allegations of Inertia: Deal Never on the Table

However, the plot twist: Commissioner Cathy Engelbert reportedly received details of the deal, yet never presented it to the WNBA’s Board of Governors, which is the body empowered to approve franchise sales and relocations Star Tribune+12Front Office Sports+12Reuters+12. As the “exclusivity period” during which Mohegan Tribe had committed to Pagliuca’s offer expired, the deal now appears stalled and speculative The Sun+15Front Office Sports+15Reuters+15.

Front Office Sports reports Engelbert kept the board in the dark despite the Tribe and Pagliuca having agreed in early July, leaving room for other buyers—including a group led by Marc Lasry—to enter the bidding CT Insider+6Front Office Sports+6Reuters+6. WSAU News/Talk corroborated: the WNBA was never officially informed, so the sale remains unapproved and in limbo wsau.com.

One source put it bluntly: the league prefers to treat Boston as a future expansion market, not a relocation candidate, since Boston did not participate in the most recent official expansion round that welcomed Cleveland, Detroit, Toronto, and Philadelphia nbcsportsboston.com+5Reuters+5The Sun+5.

3. Stakeholders in Collision Course

Mohegan Tribe & Connecticut State

The Mohegan Tribe originally purchased the Sun for roughly $10 million in 2003, relocating the team from Orlando and turning it into the first profitable WNBA franchise under non-NBA ownership New York Post+9NBC New York+9The Washington Post+9. Meanwhile, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and allies—including billionaire Marc Lasry—have made a competitive bid to keep the team in state. Lamont declared Connecticut would “do whatever it takes” to retain the franchise, even exploring taxpayer-supported facility upgrades and relocating games to Hartford’s larger arena CT Insider+1CT Insider+1.

Critical to all this, however, is Mohegan Tribal Council approval—which has not yet been granted. Without that sign‐off, no sale can legally proceed, meaning the deal remains speculative regardless of other interest CT Insider.

Pagliuca & Boston Backers

Pagliuca – backed by both Massachusetts and Rhode Island governors – insists his group’s plan is the best path forward for New England women’s basketball. Their offer includes a bold vision to play in larger arenas, accelerate player development, and leverage the momentum of recent league growth nbcboston.comnbcsportsboston.com.

WNBA League Leadership

Despite repeated calls to move forward—particularly amid a looming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) renegotiation, where players are demanding a larger share of burgeoning revenues—Engelbert’s office has remained publicly silent. Critics allege this inaction may stem from internal politics or strategic delay, including speculation that the league is positioning Boston for a future expansion bid instead of approving a current relocation San Francisco ChronicleReuters.

4. Why It Matters

Record‑breaking valuation: At $325 million, the Sun sale shatters previous WNBA franchise records—and eclipses recent expansion fees set at $250 million nbcsportsboston.com+4The Washington Post+4EssentiallySports+4. This underscores the league’s meteoric rise in value.

CBA leverage: Players negotiating a new contract set to expire October 31, 2025, are pressing for fairer revenue sharing, better travel, and expansion. The Sun’s sale inflation strengthens their position San Francisco Chronicle.

Trust and transparency: Fans and stakeholders have questioned whether transparency has been sacrificed. Many echo one sentiment: “Engelbert wants to handle this herself—she needs to go,” reflecting widespread frustration over perceived lack of accountability.

Competitive bids: Now that exclusivity has ended, other bidders—anchored in Connecticut or Houston—are actively competing. That means a future decision could come down to public pressure, facility offers, or state incentives CT Insiderchron.com.

5. Social Media: Fans on the Warpath

Across Twitter/X and fan forums, outrage is palpable. Comments call Engelbert’s actions “intentional sabotage” and question the league’s commitment to equality. Some suggest the commissioner might be waiting for a more financially lucrative expansion fee from Boston—not necessarily Pagliuca’s offer—despite the latter already being historic Front Office Sportswsau.com.

Fans are vocal: they believe Boston has earned its spot. Those within Connecticut echo heartfelt pleas to preserve the team’s legacy where it belongs.

6. What Comes Next? Four Roads Ahead

1. Pagliuca Deal Approved
If tribal approval comes through and Engelbert finally brings the proposal to the Board, the sale—and relocation by 2027—could proceed. Boston would become WNBA’s next major market.

2. Local Group Triumphs
Connecticut-based ownership led by Marc Lasry could prevail, powered by state support and potential public funding. That bid could preserve the Sun’s identity in Hartford or Uncasville.

3. League Expansion or Compromise
WNBA may delay any decision, choosing instead to retain Boston as a future expansion market—possibly in 2033—while considering relocation or expansion deals more broadly AP News+4SI+4CT Insider+4CT Insidernbcsportsboston.com+1SI+1.

4. Status Quo Persists
If neither deal moves forward—tribal council doesn’t act, and no board approval comes—the Sun could remain in limbo, stuck at Mohegan Sun Arena beyond 2026, with planning paralysis on all sides.

7. Conclusion: More than a Sale

This story isn’t just about a business transaction—it’s about trust, leadership, and whether the league’s decision-makers are acting in the best interest of players, fans, and franchise equity.

With explosive growth driven by stars like Caitlin Clark and major media contracts on the horizon, the WNBA stands at a pivotal moment. How this sale (or failed sale) is handled could define the league’s direction for years and send a clear message about governance, transparency, and ambition.

For now, the $325 million offer remains signed but unapproved. The fans, the state, and the future of a franchise hang in the balance—waiting for someone to make the move.