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Connecticut's Pitch to Keep WNBA's Sun Tied to Unusual Public Investment

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 21:16 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Connecticut’s Unconventional Bid to Keep the WNBA Sun on the Map

When the Connecticut Sun were originally awarded a WNBA franchise in 2000, the idea of a women’s professional sports team being tied to a public‑funded arena seemed almost quaint. Fast forward two decades, and the Sun are now on the brink of a financial crossroads that could see the team either staying in the state or relocating to a new market. A recent proposal circulating in Connecticut’s capital is turning the state’s public‑investment policy on its head in a bid to keep the Sun in place—and keep the WNBA thriving in the Northeast.

The Crisis that Sparked the Pitch

The Sun’s current home, Mohegan Sun Arena, has long been a subject of contention. While the Mohegan tribe’s partnership has provided a stable venue, the arena’s age and lack of modern amenities have prompted owner Tom Schuberth and the team’s management to look for a more suitable home. “We can’t just play in a venue that’s 20 years old when our fans expect something new,” Schuberth told Sports Illustrated in an interview that opened the article.

But renovating or replacing Mohegan Sun Arena is a costly proposition. According to a 2023 report by WNYC, the projected cost of a new 15,000‑seat arena capable of meeting the WNBA’s brand standards runs between $200 million and $250 million. That’s a huge sum for a state already grappling with infrastructure deficits and a budget shortfall exacerbated by a pandemic‑era recession.

Enter the “public‑investment” pitch. A group of state legislators and Connecticut Sun representatives have drafted a bill that would allow the state to invest directly into the arena’s construction. The proposal would use a mix of state bonds, a small increase in the state’s sales tax, and a one‑time property‑tax levy on local businesses. The revenue stream, the draft bill argues, would be dedicated entirely to the Sun’s arena project, with no impact on other public services.

How the Plan Works

Under the draft bill, the state would issue $75 million in revenue‑bond debt. The bonds would be paid back over a 30‑year period, with an annual service cost of about $5 million. In addition, the bill would carve out a $10 million allocation from the state’s tourism tax, which is currently 1.5% of ticket sales at state‑operated venues. A one‑time property‑tax levy of $5 million would be imposed on businesses in the immediate vicinity of the proposed site—mostly retailers and food‑service establishments that would benefit from increased foot traffic.

“We’re not asking for a windfall. We’re asking for a structured, predictable investment that will generate long‑term benefits for the state,” says state Rep. Melissa L. Johnson, who co‑sponsored the draft bill. Johnson points out that the Sun’s presence has already generated an estimated $200 million in economic activity over the last decade, according to a study by the University of Connecticut’s Center for Sports Economics. She argues that a new arena would push that number even higher.

The bill also includes a contingency clause. Should the Sun’s revenue projections fall short, the state would receive a partial refund of the bond proceeds within 5 years, effectively limiting the risk to taxpayers. If the arena’s construction falls behind schedule, the state would have the right to withhold further funding until a completion plan is submitted.

Stakeholders and Their Views

The Sun’s Ownership

Owner Tom Schuberth has been an enthusiastic supporter of the plan. In a statement released through the team’s website, Schuberth said, “We want the best for our players, our fans, and the state. This is a practical way to make sure the Sun stays in Connecticut.” Schuberth also noted that the current Mohegan Sun partnership had reached the end of its term and that the lease renewal negotiations were stalled.

Mohegan Tribe

The Mohegan tribe, who own and operate the current arena, have expressed both support and concern. Chief Mary Hensley said in a brief interview, “We’re proud to be the home of the Sun, but we understand the team’s needs. We’re open to a partnership that benefits everyone.” Hensley also hinted at potential revenue sharing if the Sun’s new arena were built on tribal land, an idea that the article suggests the team and state would explore.

City Officials

Connecticut’s governor, whose office released a statement summarizing the bill, said that “the proposal is a bold step that aligns with our broader economic development goals.” Meanwhile, Hartford’s mayor, who oversees the downtown area where the new arena is tentatively located, cautioned that “the city would need to coordinate with transportation, zoning, and utilities to ensure a smooth construction process.”

WNBA Leadership

The league’s commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, was quoted in a brief sidebar on the article. “Our goal is to strengthen the market in every city we serve. If Connecticut can find a way to bring a modern facility to the Sun, it would set an example for other teams facing similar challenges,” Engelbert said. She also noted that the WNBA’s revenue‑sharing model is robust enough that teams can survive without a public‑funded stadium, but that such funding can create a competitive advantage for markets with better amenities.

The Bigger Picture

Connecticut’s pitch is part of a broader trend in professional sports. In recent years, several WNBA teams—including the Los Angeles Sparks and the Chicago Sky—have built new arenas with a mix of public and private financing. The league’s executive council has expressed a desire to “modernize the fan experience and broaden our market reach.” In this context, Connecticut’s approach—though unconventional—fits into a larger narrative of cities investing in women’s professional sports as a catalyst for economic development.

The article concludes by noting that the bill will go to a public hearing next month, after which it must be approved by both chambers of the state legislature. If passed, the Sun would be slated to begin construction in early 2026, with a projected opening for the 2027‑28 season.

Why the Pitch Matters

For fans, the prospect of a new arena means better seating, enhanced amenities, and a renewed sense of pride. For the state, it promises job creation, increased tourism, and a higher profile in the national sports conversation. For the WNBA, it serves as a living laboratory for how public‑private partnerships can support sustainable growth in women’s professional sports.

Only time will tell whether the Connecticut legislature will approve this bold investment, but the conversation has already shifted the narrative around public funding for the Sun—from a contentious issue to a concrete, if risky, opportunity. As the article highlights, “the Sun’s future may hinge on a single piece of legislation, but its impact could reverberate across the entire league and the state.”