In the latest update to the Connecticut Sun sale saga, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-CT., sent a letter to the WNBA on Sept. 8 telling them that any further interference with the sale could break the law.
The Mohegan Tribe, which has owned the Sun since 2003, has been considering selling the basketball team for over a year. But they’ve been locked in a standoff with the WNBA, which has blocked proposals that would’ve kept the team in New England and has offered their own, lesser bid.
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Now, the state of Connecticut has also submitted a proposal that would keep the Connecticut Sun in the state, according to ESPN.
In his letter, Blumenthal warned the league against any further attempts to meddle in the negotiations.
“Any further attempts by the WNBA to use its considerable governance and market power over the Connecticut Sun to limit or dictate negotiations with the state of Connecticut could be an unreasonable restraint of trade and interference with the market that would violate federal antitrust laws,” Blumenthal said. “As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over antitrust matters, I am closely monitoring the WNBA’s actions and will demand investigations and enforcement actions from the appropriate federal authorities if it takes any step to hinder or constrain Connecticut’s negotiations.”
Connecticut Sun guard Bria Hartley (14) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Sparks guard Julie Allemand (20) and forward Dearica Hamby (5) on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena.
Will the Sun move to Boston?
In early August, the tribe had struck a deal with Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca for $325 million that would’ve moved the team to Boston.
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However, the WNBA stepped in, issuing a statement emphasizing that “relocation decisions are made by the WNBA Board of Governors and not by individual teams,” and that cities that bid for WNBA expansion franchises should take priority over ones that didn’t, like Boston.
The WNBA has also offered to buy the Sun for $250 million, which would allow it to steer the franchise toward an ownership group in one of its preferred expansion cities like Cleveland or Houston.
Will the Sun stay in Connecticut?
Under Connecticut’s plan, the state would acquire minority ownership in the team for a valuation higher than the league’s offer of $250 million. The team would play in both Hartford, the state capital, and Uncasville, the team’s current home.
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Blumenthal argued for the deal in his letter, saying that the Connecticut Sun has been a “cornerstone of the state’s sports identity.”
“Relocating the team out of Connecticut would leave New England without a WNBA team, and disrupt the stability and growth the Sun have achieved over the years in the state,” Blumenthal said. “The state of Connecticut’s proposal fully ensures the continued commercial and professional success of the Connecticut Sun, and addresses the reported expansion concerns of the WNBA.”
Contributing: Steve Gardner
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Connecticut senator warns WNBA to stay out of CT Sun sale
