UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma, who saw the Connecticut Sun’s arrival in 2003, will watch the franchise leave after the 2026 WNBA season. The Sun, formerly the Orlando Miracle, has been purchased by Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta for $300 million, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.
When asked about the impact of the Sun leaving Connecticut, Auriemma responded on Friday (via Philippou):
“The people at Mohegan Sun, they stepped up when they were needed and brought a team to Connecticut, as Connecticut deserves to have a team because we’re a proven (place) where people would support women’s basketball. Now (with them) moving, I think it leaves a void.”
The Sun relocated to Connecticut after the Mohegan Sun brought the team that nearly disbanded in Orlando. With the success of the UConn Huskies, particularly the women’s basketball team under Geno Auriemma, bringing a WNBA franchise to the state made sense.
During their time in Connecticut, the Sun have made 16 playoff appearances in 23 years. However, unlike the Huskies, they have never won a championship and will therefore leave the state without ever claiming the title.
Despite the Sun’s failure to win a WNBA championship, Geno Auriemma already sees the inevitable void that will set in. Connecticut can bid for a franchise, but it remains to be seen when, after 2030, the WNBA will approve an expansion.
Last year, Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca expressed interest in purchasing the Sun and relocating it to Boston for $25 million more than what Houston paid for. Front Office Sports reported that the Mohegan Sun accepted Pagliuca’s offer but the proposed sale failed to get the WNBA’s approval.
Geno Auriemma’s Huskies Continue To Highlight Basketball in Connecticut
Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team continue to shine the limelight on Connecticut. The school, which won its 12th championship under the legendary coach last year, looks ready to defend the title.
Auriemma’s team moved on to the Elite 8 on Friday after the top-ranked team whipped No. 4 North Carolina 63-42. The Huskies, 3-0 in the NCAA tournament, are drubbing opponents by an average of 37.3 points per game.
UConn will vie for a Final Four appearance on Sunday against No. 6 Notre Dame, which pulled off a 67-63 upset against No. 2 Vanderbilt. A win by the Huskies will push Geno Auriemma to his 25th Final Four with the school.
The Sun will relocate to Houston after this season, but Auriemma’s Huskies continue to live up to Connecticut’s lofty basketball pedigree.
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