The WNBA is undergoing a series of overhauls before the 2026 season, and the Connecticut Sun is also set to undergo a major change. The team’s owner, the Mohegan Tribe, officially put the team on the market last year. Now, the Sun is reportedly ready to welcome a new owner, the Fertitta family, led by Tilman Fertitta, who also owns the Houston Rockets of the NBA.
Who is Tilman Fertitta and details about the Sun deal
As per Front Office Sports, some sources related to the deal said that Tilman Fertitta was set to take over the franchise for $300 million. Fertitta, who has a net worth of $12 billion (via Bloomberg), is also the US ambassador to Italy. Sharing the news on X, WNBA reporter Annie Costabile quoted Sun team president Jennifer Rizzotti:
“The Connecticut Sun organization understands how emotional this moment is for our fans and community. You have made a home for this franchise for generations, and we are grateful for the passion and support that made us a cornerstone team in the WNBA. While the league continues to grow and evolve, our commitment is to honor this legacy—and finishing this final season together with pride.”
The league has yet to officially announce the deal, which will also be a milestone for WNBA teams in terms of valuation. Before the Sun was officially put on the market for sale, the Cleveland Cavaliers ownership was also reportedly interested in buying the team. However, the deal did not go through because the Tribe went to the market in search of a better deal.
However, as the deal with the Cavaliers ownership, led by Dan Gilbert’s Rocket Entertainment Group, did not materialize, they would be provided an expansion franchise that will begin playing in 2028.
The Sun fielded two offers valued at $325 million, from a Boston group led by Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca and another from former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry. However, those did not go through due to the ownership’s demand to relocate the franchise.
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