Matt Vautour’s argument for moving the Connecticut Sun out of Mohegan Sun Arena to a larger market like Boston is compelling, rooted in both the league’s growth and the franchise’s struggle to retain top talent. The WNBA’s expansion in visibility, financial investment, and fan engagement makes small-market teams with limited facilities increasingly untenable.
Key Points of the Argument:
1. Market Size & Player Retention – The Sun has consistently lost MVP-caliber players (Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Tina Charles) who sought better opportunities in larger markets. Thomas’ comments about Connecticut being “super behind” suggest that the team’s resources, amenities, and overall appeal lag behind competitors.
2. Facility Limitations – While Mohegan Sun Arena has served as a serviceable home, it lacks the resources, capacity, and prestige of bigger-city venues. The anecdote about a toddler’s birthday party disrupting practice highlights a lack of priority for the franchise.
3. Hartford vs. Boston – While the XL Center’s renovations could make Hartford a more viable option, it remains a small market. Boston, on the other hand, offers a much larger media presence, a passionate sports fanbase, and better training facilities.
4. League Evolution – The WNBA is no longer a niche product that can thrive in smaller, casino-based arenas. The league’s value is growing (with franchises now worth around $120 million), and moving into larger markets aligns with its trajectory.
Counterarguments:
Connecticut’s Unique Fanbase – The Sun has strong regional support, benefiting from UConn’s deep basketball culture. Moving could alienate loyal fans.
Boston’s Logistical Challenges – TD Garden’s availability, franchise ownership changes, and practice facility concerns could complicate a relocation.
Potential for Hartford Growth – If properly invested in, Hartford could provide a sustainable, mid-sized market solution.
Verdict:
While Connecticut has been a strong WNBA market, the combination of limited resources, a shrinking talent pipeline, and the league’s broader growth suggests a move to a major city like Boston is inevitable. If the WNBA is aiming for long-term success, it must prioritize markets that can support its ambitions.
