News Summary
Rhode Island’s Governor, Dan McKee, is exploring the possibility of relocating the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun to Providence. During a recent visit to the Amica Mutual Pavilion, McKee evaluated the venue’s suitability for professional basketball. Discussions are ongoing with potential investors as the Mohegan Tribe considers selling the struggling team. This move could boost local economics and enhance the sports scene in Providence, especially during off-peak months. However, competition from neighboring states adds complexity to the potential relocation.
Rhode Island is currently weighing the potential relocation of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun basketball team to Providence. The state’s Governor, Dan McKee, was seen visiting the Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) to assess its suitability for hosting the team.
On a recent Friday morning, Governor McKee attended a meeting at AMP, which has been reconfigured to support basketball events. According to a copy of his schedule, the meeting was part of efforts to evaluate whether the venue could cater to a professional sports team.
Sources have indicated that during this visit, McKee was in discussions with an unnamed investor interested in purchasing and relocating the Connecticut Sun to Providence. The team, currently owned by the Mohegan Tribe, plays its home games at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. Recent confirmations from the Mohegan Tribe suggest they are exploring options for a potential sale and relocation of the franchise.
This potential shift could bring a significant economic boost to Providence, especially in the summer months when AMP often sees lower attendance for events. The WNBA season complements this, as it concludes before the start of the Providence College men’s basketball season, creating an opportunity for year-round sports activities at the venue.
Currently, AMP serves as the home field for the Providence College Friars and the Providence Bruins. If the Connecticut Sun were to relocate, it could enhance the arena’s occupancy rates during an otherwise dormant period.
However, Rhode Island is not the only state looking to attract a WNBA franchise. Both Massachusetts and Connecticut are courting teams for relocation. Massachusetts’ Governor Maura Healey and Connecticut’s Governor Ned Lamont have both expressed interests in enhancing their states’ ties to a professional women’s basketball team.
Historically, Rhode Island has faced challenges in attracting professional teams, with past attempts—including a bid to bring the New England Patriots to Providence—failing to come to fruition. Today, the situation is somewhat different, as the average value of WNBA teams has considerably increased, with current expansion fees reaching as high as $250 million, signaling a growing market for franchise ownership.
Another factor in the deliberation surrounding the Connecticut Sun’s potential move is the team’s current standing in the WNBA. With a record of 3 wins and 18 losses, the Sun is at the bottom of the league standings, which may prompt considerations to initiate change through relocation.
Joe Pagliuca, the son of former Boston Celtics owner Steve Pagliuca, is reportedly taking the lead on efforts to gauge interest in purchasing and relocating the Sun to the Rhode Island capital. There is a sense among economic experts that substantial investment from Rhode Island’s major corporations will be necessary to support the franchise’s transition, particularly in avenues like arena sponsorships and upscale seating options.
Finally, the growing popularity of the WNBA, particularly with the emergence of new stars, presents an opportune moment for Rhode Island to enter the professional sports arena. With rising interest in women’s sports, the potential addition of the Connecticut Sun to Providence’s sports scene could enhance the region’s profile in the sporting world.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WPRI: WNBA’s Connecticut Sun Team Considering Move to Providence
- GoLocalProv: Former Celtic Owner Looking to Move WNBA Team to Providence
- Boston Globe: RI’s Connecticut Sun Women’s Basketball Relocate to Providence
- Providence Journal: McKee’s WNBA Meeting – Opportunity for Rhode Island
- MassLive: Connecticut Sun to Boston Talks Getting Louder
- Wikipedia: WNBA
