US EditionSen. Blumenthal to WNBA: Stay Out of Sun Negotiations
Senator Blumenthal warns that the WNBA's blocking of Connecticut Sun sale negotiations may violate federal antitrust laws, risking market interference and fan base disruption.
- On Monday, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal warned WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert that interference in the Connecticut Sun sale could violate federal antitrust laws and urged the league to avoid blocking Connecticut's efforts.
- League actions center on its Board of Governors' approval power, with the Women's National Basketball Association offering $250 million to buy the Connecticut Sun and reportedly blocking proposals to keep the team in Connecticut or New England.
- Sources say the tribe received two bids: Steve Pagliuca's $325 million offer to move the franchise to Boston and Marc Lasry's $300 million bid to keep it in Connecticut with games in Hartford and Uncasville.
- Blumenthal said he will demand investigations if the WNBA hinders Connecticut's negotiations, while Sen. Chris Murphy and Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam publicly criticized the league and Connecticut residents and fans showed rising support.
- The league's control over relocation means the WNBA league office could buy the team, waive relocation fees, and resell it, while the Mohegan Tribe and league are expected to meet soon to discuss options.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Connecticut Senators Slam WNBA For Blocking Sun Sale, Cite Antitrust Laws
The WNBA’s effort to block the record-breaking sale of the Connecticut Sun is facing backlash from the highest levels of government, and the league may have just created a legal mess for itself.Both of Connecticut’s U.S. senators, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, have publicly condemned the league’s actions and are pushing the WNBA to let the Mohegan Tribe sell the team to the buyer of its choice.On Monday, Sen. Blumenthal wrote a letter to …
Connecticut senators criticize WNBA’s involvement in Sun sale
Connecticut’s senior senator wants the WNBA to stay out of negotiations regarding a potential sale of the Sun. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal sent a letter to commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Monday, asking her to allow the Mohegan Tribe, which owns the franchise, to explore offers that would keep the team in the area without interference. He said the team is entitled to negotiate with competing bidders and warned her that the league could violate …
Here’s what state officials are doing to keep the Sun in CT
Connecticut Sun guard Leila Lacan (47) celebrates a play with teammates center Tina Charles (31) and guard Saniya Rivers during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Arlington, Texas, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)(LM Otero/AP / AP)Connecticut officials at every level of government say they’re fighting to keep the state’s only professional sports team at home.Talks have stalled between the Mohegan T…
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