Connecticut Solar president Jennifer Rizzotti mentioned Tuesday that the staff’s possession group is “exploring all choices to strategically put money into the staff,” together with a possible sale.
The information was first reported on Monday by Sportico, which mentioned the franchise employed funding financial institution Allen & Co. to conduct the probe and that the “expectation is a management sale and certain franchise relocation.”
The Solar have performed in Uncasville, Connecticut, since 2003, when the Mohegan tribe purchased the franchise for $10 million and relocated the staff from Orlando, Florida.
Mohegan was the primary non-NBA proprietor of a WNBA staff, and the franchise grew to become the primary within the league to show a revenue.
The WNBA has not had a staff relocate since 2017, when the San Antonio Stars relocated to Las Vegas underneath new possession and have become the Aces.
In an announcement supplied to ESPN, Mohegan management mentioned: “As a company, Mohegan is persistently evaluating strategic choices, investments and capital expenditures. The CT Solar has had monumental modifications over the previous 18 months and Mohegan could be very pleased with the success, elevated curiosity and what stays to be such unimaginable group affect off the court docket as effectively. The WNBA general has additionally seen immense progress in viewership and curiosity. These are unbelievable traits for what’s an incredible sport, with extraordinarily devoted and proficient ladies.
“Mohegan stays dedicated to the staff’s continued success which incorporates taking a look at all strategic choices in one of the best curiosity of the CT Solar, MTGA and WNBA.”
Rizzotti referred to as Mohegan’s determination the transfer of “accountable enterprise homeowners” and that “it is extra about being constant about how they’re evaluating all of their companies, the Connecticut Solar being one in all them.”
The Solar president added there hasn’t been a choice made, or a set timeline for one, “apart from that they wish to make sure that they’re doing what’s finest for the group in addition to the WNBA.”
Rizzotti confirmed “all choices,” together with doubtlessly promoting minority stakes within the staff just like the Seattle Storm did just lately to lift capital that helped finance their new follow facility, stay on the desk. Different prospects embrace a franchise sale the place the staff stays in the identical metropolis or state, just like what occurred with the Atlanta Dream in 2021.
When requested if Mohegan can nonetheless assist a WNBA contender, Rizzotti mentioned sure.
“I have been right here for 4 years. I believe the tribe can assist no matter they need, no matter determination they make,” she mentioned. “They do all the things top quality. They delight themselves on visitor expertise and a spotlight to element and true funding in the proper methods.
“If the tribe decides they wish to personal this staff, they’re as aggressive, I believe, as any possession group within the league.”
Mohegan’s transfer comes because the WNBA is experiencing fast progress and as possession teams have been more and more anticipated to double down on funding, together with within the participant expertise. That has mainly manifested in franchises constructing devoted follow services, making a leaguewide battle between groups.
Connecticut is likely one of the groups that also hasn’t introduced plans for a coaching facility, with gamers presently training at Mohegan Solar Enviornment — their 8,910-capacity residence court docket — or the Mohegan Tribal Neighborhood and Authorities Middle, which can also be open to tribal members.
The Solar have been one of many WNBA’s most profitable groups on the court docket, making the playoffs in 16 of their 22 seasons in Connecticut and boasting six consecutive semifinal appearances. However 2025 is about to be a brand new period for the franchise after shedding its whole beginning lineup this offseason as a result of free company or trades.
Rizzotti mentioned the franchise “has been a fascinating location to play” and that “there is a motive we have been good for twenty years,” feeling that the roster turnover it skilled this offseason was extra a blip than a recurring drawback.
“We will pour into this franchise so long as it is right here,” Rizzotti mentioned. “And if it finally ends up not being the case, then we’ll fear about that when the time comes.”
Whereas the franchise’s long-term standing stays unclear, the staff will give attention to getting ready for the season forward, which kicks off Sunday at residence towards the Washington Mystics.
Rizzotti and coach Rachid Meziane echoed a shared effort to manage what the staff can management.
“They’ve their job, and our job is to place one of the best product on the ground,” mentioned Tina Charles, who was drafted No. 1 by the Solar in 2010 earlier than returning to play for the group this offseason. “We belief that they are going to do their jobs and make the proper determination that may profit the group and the gamers and the coaches and the employees shifting ahead.”
