The WNBA’s Connecticut Sun, the only pro sports team in the state, are not only one of the league’s most successful squads, but also represent the harmonious relationship between sports and Native American culture. Playing all their home games at Mohegan Sun Arena inside the prestigious casino of the same name, both the Sun and their venue are characterized by gorgeous Native imagery and unique tribal branding. Despite being one of the coolest connections in sports, the future of this beloved women’s basketball franchise at Mohegan Sun Casino is anything but certain.

History of the Connecticut Sun

The Sun’s legacy began in Orlando in 1999, where they were formed as an expansion team and partner of the Orlando Magic. Called the Orlando Miracle, the team was purchased in 2003 amidst financial deficits by Connecticut’s Mohegan Tribe, who relocated the franchise to their casino just south of Norwich in the village of Uncasville. Technically, however, the team’s home at Mohegan Sun Arena is not governed by the state of Connecticut since it’s situated on Mohegan tribal lands. The tribe’s investment in the Sun took advantage of the Nutmeg State’s reputation for being a basketball hotbed, thanks in part to the dominant UConn Huskies women’s squad, and the team remains the only pro sports team owned by a Native people.

Although they’ve never won a WNBA championship, the Sun have been one of the most successful teams in the league. Just after the move to Uncasville, they clinched back-to-back conference titles and competed in the Finals, unfortunately coming up short both times. The Sun have also participated in the playoffs 16 out of the 22 seasons they’ve spent in Connecticut.

Relocation Rumors

In spring 2025, rumors surfaced that the Mohegan tribe was seeking either new investors or a complete sale of the team. Boston was named as a likely landing spot for the Sun should they be subject to relocation, but further developments now point to Boston receiving a WNBA expansion franchise at some point in the future. During their time in New England, the Sun have played some games at TD Garden – always to resounding success.

So if not Boston, then where could the team end up? Some sources have floated Denver as a possibility, a city that was passed up in recent league expansion and could easily add a WNBA team as a summer tenant at Ball Arena. Outside downtown, there are several other indoor venues in the metro Denver area that could also host a team. Other possibilities include Nashville, Kansas City or Miami.

The Arena Atmosphere

In the meantime, the Sun are continuing to entertain some of the WNBA’s best crowds while they’re still at Mohegan Sun. The arena, nestled in the heart of the casino, is a seamless continuation of the complex’s architecture, featuring modern Native American motifs and orange-tinted facades.

Nearly the entire lower bowl of the arena – which boasts room for over 10,000 fans – is chairback bleacher-style seating that can be retracted to accommodate events that require more floor space, such as concerts or wrestling. The venue has had some of its biggest basketball crowds when the Boston Celtics come to town to play in NBA preseason exhibition games, which they have in 2014 and 2016.

The Future

The Sun are a staple in the region and a move out of Connecticut would truly be a shame. The seemingly perfect fit here on the Mohegan reservation is something to be treasured and preserved, but qualms with the backend facilities may spoil these ties. Hopefully, the tribe will receive the help from investors they’re so desperately seeking and relocation of the WNBA’s most iconic team can be avoided.