WNBA's Connecticut Sun exploring new investment, possible sale - ESPN

Connecticut Sun president Jennifer Rizzotti said Tuesday that the team's ownership group is «exploring all options to strategically invest in the team,» including a potential sale.

The news was first reported on Monday by Sportico, which said the franchise hired investment bank Allen & Co. to conduct the probe and that the «expectation is a control sale and likely franchise relocation.»

The Sun have played in Uncasville, Connecticut since 2003, when the Mohegan tribe bought the franchise for $10 million and relocated the team from Orlando.

Mohegan was the first non-NBA owner of a WNBA team, and the franchise became the first in the league to turn a profit.

The WNBA has not had a team relocate since 2017, when the San Antonio Stars relocated to Las Vegas under new ownership and became the Aces.

In a statement provided to EPSN, Mohegan leadership said: «As an organization, Mohegan is consistently evaluating strategic options, investments and capital expenditures. The CT Sun has had monumental changes over the past 18 months and Mohegan is very proud of the success, increased interest and what remains to be such incredible community impact off the court as well. The WNBA overall has also seen immense growth in viewership and interest. These are fantastic trends for what is an amazing sport, with extremely dedicated and talented women.

»Mohegan remains committed to the team's continued success which includes looking at all strategic options in the best interest of the CT Sun, MTGA and WNBA."

Rizzotti called Mohegan's decision the move of «responsible business owners» and that «it's more about being consistent about how they're evaluating all of their businesses, the Connecticut Sun being one of them.»

The Sun president added