OT: Sun will be setting in a year. Moving to Boston. | The Boneyard

OT: Sun will be setting in a year. Moving to Boston.

I am a season ticketholder, and I got this email today. I didn't take it as a definitive commitment to remain at Mohegan Sun in 2026, and I don't think it is. If they make a deal over the winter to relocate the franchise, all they have to do is refund what the season ticket holders who renewed their tickets have paid them. That would be a small expense in the context of the overall transaction.

If they didn't say this, then certainly a lot of people wouldn't renew their season tickets. So it really costs them nothing to say it. It's not even a lie, unless they know for certain as of today that they won't be in Mohegan Sun next summer. If they are accused of fraud, they can say that the statement was based on what they knew at the time (I.e., today), and "things change".
 
JoePgh said:
I am a season ticketholder, and I got this email today. I didn't take it as a definitive commitment to remain at Mohegan Sun in 2026, and I don't think it is. If they make a deal over the winter to relocate the franchise, all they have to do is refund what the season ticket holders who renewed their tickets have paid them. That would be a small expense in the context of the overall transaction.

If they didn't say this, then certainly a lot of people wouldn't renew their season tickets. So it really costs them nothing to say it. It's not even a lie, unless they know for certain as of today that they won't be in Mohegan Sun next summer. If they are accused of fraud, they can say that the statement was based on what they knew at the time (I.e., today), and "things change".
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Do you think they'll end up relocating?
 
huskymedic said:
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Seems like this was a move many anticipated. The Sun existed at all because of Uconn basketball interest in the state. The location was different, but not being urban hurt, and it was never that attractive a destination for free agents. Writing appeared to be on the wall for a few years.

Disappointing for Uconn players who can't visit their alumni quite as easily after this.
 
Seems like good news for all. The team still remains in the region so the fans can remain attached to the team, they move to a major league city, and should now be able to attract players.
 
As an aside, Steve Pagliuca attended Duke University where he played freshman basketball before receiving a BA in 1977. He served on Duke's Trinity Board of Investors from 2001 to 2008, chairing the board from 2005 to 2007.
 
oldhusky said:
Seems like this was a move many anticipated. The Sun existed at all because of Uconn basketball interest in the state. The location was different, but not being urban hurt, and it was never that attractive a destination for free agents. Writing appeared to be on the wall for a few years.

Disappointing for Uconn players who can't visit their alumni quite as easily after this.
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I might argue it's just as easy to get to Boston from Storrs. More highway driving and more things to do before and after a game since young people don't need to be gambling at a casino.
 
The increase in franchise value was too much for the Mohegans to ignore. A few years ago it was probably valued at $10M. Last year it was estimated to be $80M. Now it sold for $325M.

And the location was having an impact on attracting/keeping good players.
 
It's about 84 miles from Storrs campus to TD Garden arena, only 29 miles from campus to Mohegan Sun.

Wonder if UConn will continue to play at Mohegan Sun whenever it can? Or add a game at TD Garden in the future.
 
This is incredibly stupid and short sighted by this guy. Is he buying it for his Daughter or something? He dropped $325 mil on by far the worst team (currently) in the W, based on the huge attendance of 2 Boston Garden games where Caitlin Clark was the main attraction. He's in for a rude awakening. Smart by Mohegan. Take the big payday. Maybe they can get the franchise back on the cheap in a few years after it bombs in Boston.
 
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Vowelguy said:
The increase in franchise value was too much for the Mohegans to ignore. A few years ago it was probably valued at $10M. Last year it was estimated to be $80M. Now it sold for $325M.

And the location was having an impact on attracting/keeping good players.
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The location? I think not.

"As of the end of the 2024 WNBA regular season, the Connecticut Sun hold the highest winning percentage among active teams, at 499–377 (.570). Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings hold the lowest winning percentage, with a 392–514 (.433) record."

You going to tell me that Dallas is a small market that players wouldn't want to play in? The ability to attract good players has MUCH more to do with who is coaching and who is the GM running the team.
 
Blue Huskie said:
T


The location? I think not.

"As of the end of the 2024 WNBA regular season, the Connecticut Sun hold the highest winning percentage among active teams, at 499–377 (.570). Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings hold the lowest winning percentage, with a 392–514 (.433) record."

You going to tell me that Dallas is a small market that players wouldn't want to play in? The ability to attract good players has MUCH more to do with who is coaching and who is the GM running the team.
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Dallas is a fun city, Boston is a great city to live. The Mohegan Sun is in the middle of nowhere. Players will want to live and play in Boston.
 
Blue Huskie said:
The location? I think not.

"As of the end of the 2024 WNBA regular season, the Connecticut Sun hold the highest winning percentage among active teams, at 499–377 (.570). Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings hold the lowest winning percentage, with a 392–514 (.433) record."

You going to tell me that Dallas is a small market that players wouldn't want to play in? The ability to attract good players has MUCH more to do with who is coaching and who is the GM running the team.
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There have been several stories in recent years of players wanting out of Connecticut because of location. A WNBA player is not going to exactly blend in living in southeastern CT. Nor is there much for them to do.
 
Very exciting. Boston vs. Philly - has a nice northeast rivalry ring to it. Not sure what to make of the minutia, but Boston is a great market, and I wish the team success. I wonder if they keep Tuck and Rizotti. On one hand, having knowledgeable people running the organization is nice, but they have overseen a perennial championship contender become far and away the worst team in the league.

Maybe new management and some serious conversations about what Golden State has done could help reinvigorate the franchise. And let's be honest - the Valkyries are leading the league in attendance, and probably fan engagement, souvenir sales, etc. Boston would be wise to see how GS built their community outreach, fan base, and support.
 
A
Blue Huskie said:
T


The location? I think not.

"As of the end of the 2024 WNBA regular season, the Connecticut Sun hold the highest winning percentage among active teams, at 499–377 (.570). Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings hold the lowest winning percentage, with a 392–514 (.433) record."

You going to tell me that Dallas is a small market that players wouldn't want to play in? The ability to attract good players has MUCH more to do with who is coaching and who is the GM running the team.
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at the end of the 2024 season the starters all left and also the coach along with Jonquel jones a year before,I Think alot had to do with lack of social activities in the Montville area
 
Blue Huskie said:
This is incredibly stupid and short sighted by this guy. Is he buying it for his Daughter or something? He dropped $325 mil on by far the worst team (currently) in the W, based on the huge attendance of 2 Boston Garden games where Caitlin Clark was the main attraction. He's in for a rude awakening. Smart by Mohegan. Take the big payday. Maybe they can get the franchise back on the cheap in a few years after it bombs in Boston.
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The franchise fee for the most recent expansion teams is $250 M. Yes he paid more , but he doesn’t have to build the entire org or brand from scratch.
 
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