Native fans voice cultural concerns over Connecticut Sun move to Houston

Native supporters of the Connecticut Sun have raised concerns about the loss of the team's Mohegan identity as the WNBA franchise moves to Houston, according to new reporting by the Guardian. The Sun completed their final Connecticut season last month after 24 seasons, leaving New England without a WNBA team. Fans interviewed by the newspaper described the departure as a cultural loss as well as a sporting one.

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The Mohegan Tribe bought the Orlando Miracle for $5 million in 2003 and established the Connecticut Sun. The franchise became the WNBA's first independently owned team and the first Native American-owned professional sports franchise. Its home, Mohegan Sun Arena, is on the tribe's reservation in Uncasville. Former league president Val Ackerman told the Guardian that the existing arena and Connecticut's strong women's basketball following helped support the original decision.

The tribe's influence extended into uniforms, player education and game-day traditions. The Sun's Rebel Edition jerseys used the Mohegan word for sun, Keesusk, alongside symbols drawn from tribal culture. Players learned about Mohegan beliefs, while tribal members offered traditional blessings at practices and games. Rookie Charlisse Leger-Walker, who is Māori, told the newspaper that playing for a Native-owned team provided a meaningful connection during her first WNBA season.

The Guardian reported that the tribe pursued a sale to reduce debt and concentrate on its gaming business. Connecticut efforts to retain the franchise included a Hartford-based ownership bid and a proposal involving minority investment and a new practice facility. Those options were rejected by the league, according to the report.

A proposed $325 million sale to a Boston group in 2025 did not proceed after the WNBA objected because the group had not bid in the preceding expansion round. The tribe subsequently agreed to a $300 million sale to a Houston group led by Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta. Connecticut is considering legal action; the report did not describe a completed legal challenge.

The Sun finished 11-33 but won their final home game, beating Toronto 95-81 on September 24. Houston will revive the Comets identity. Mohegan fan Haley Kerwin told the Guardian she feared the Sun's history and its connection to the tribe would be forgotten after the move.