By Tiffany Williams –
BOSTON — Calls for a WNBA franchise in Boston are growing louder after the Connecticut Sun sold out TD Garden for the second consecutive year. The July 15 matchup between the Sun and Indiana Fever drew 19,156 fans, marking another milestone for women’s basketball in the city. The sell-out crowd included young players, lawmakers, and fans from across New England, many of whom are rallying behind the idea of bringing a team to Boston permanently.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued a proclamation declaring July 15 as “WNBA Day in Boston,” citing the city’s rich sports history and strong support for women’s athletics. “Boston is New England’s capital and hub, and would be the perfect place for a WNBA team,” her statement read. She emphasized Boston’s identity as the birthplace of basketball and pointed to the sold-out crowds at recent games as proof that the city is ready to support a franchise of its own.
The day before the Sun-Fever game, the Indiana Fever’s All-Star forward Aliyah Boston — a Worcester Academy alum — was honored at the Massachusetts State House. Governor Healey and Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell recognized Boston for her accomplishments on and off the court, calling her a role model for girls and young women. The City of Boston also declared July 14 as “Aliyah Boston Day” in recognition of her influence in advancing women’s sports.
Boston was selected first overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft and has since won Rookie of the Year honors and a national championship at South Carolina. She is also an investor in Boston Legacy FC, a professional women’s soccer club.
“Don’t ever let anyone determine your worth, don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t be in life because you are more than that and everyone’s path is different,” said Boston. “So don’t compare your path to the person to your left or right because it’s never gonna be the same, so just embrace your journey and do the best you can and dream big.”
At the State House, Councilor Worrell expressed strong support for a WNBA franchise, saying Boston is more than ready. “If there’s room for expansion, absolutely, we would love to have a team. But if the only route right now is to purchase the Connecticut Sun, then we are encouraging all investor groups to bring that team here to the city of champs,” Worrell said.
Just days before the game, the Boston City Council passed a resolution introduced by Worrell urging the WNBA and potential ownership groups to consider Boston for expansion or relocation. Worrell emphasized that Boston wouldn’t need to build new infrastructure, as TD Garden is available during the WNBA season, which does not conflict with the Celtics or Bruins schedules.
Massachusetts Representative Chris Worrell added that the state legislature could play a supportive role by engaging with league leadership and potential investors. “When you think of basketball, you think of Boston,” he said. “Eighteen banners — why not have a WNBA team in the greatest sports city in the world?”
While fans and leaders are enthusiastic, the path to bringing a team to Boston is complex. The WNBA recently began a new phase of expansion. A San Francisco-based team, the Golden State Valkyries, joined the league in 2025 and was valued at $500 million. The league has announced plans to add three more teams—Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia—by 2030. Each of those franchises is expected to pay roughly $250 million in expansion fees.
The Connecticut Sun, currently owned by the Mohegan Tribe, has reportedly retained an investment bank to explore the team’s future, including a potential sale and relocation. Though Boston has shown interest, sources suggest the tribe prefers to sell to a buyer who would keep the team in Connecticut. Meanwhile, the Boston Women’s Basketball Partners group has confirmed it is pursuing an expansion franchise rather than trying to relocate the Sun.
The Sun franchise, purchased by the Mohegan Tribe for $10 million in 2003, was valued at around $80 million in 2024. Relocation, if pursued, would likely come with additional costs, including a WNBA relocation fee and investment in local facilities to meet league standards.
Sun guard Saniya Rivers expressed enthusiasm about the idea of moving the team to Boston. “If it was up to me, we might relocate here,” she said. “I love Connecticut. It’s fine. But I think the market here itself is just going to be better for a women’s basketball program.”
Boston’s growing support for a WNBA team is bolstered by the city’s strong fan base, central location, and legacy as a sports powerhouse. Advocates point out that the WNBA would benefit from having a flagship team in a historic East Coast city with an appetite for elite-level basketball. They also note the potential for expanded sponsorships, job creation, and a new chapter in the city’s already storied sports culture.
Massachusetts is no stranger to welcoming professional teams from neighboring states. In 2018, the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, relocated to Worcester and became the Worcester Red Sox. The move came after Worcester offered a more attractive financial package and committed to building a new stadium, Polar Park, which opened in 2021.
Whether through expansion or relocation, the push to bring the WNBA to Boston has gained real momentum. From the State House to City Hall to the sold-out stands at TD Garden, a clear message is being sent: Boston is ready for a team.