Sun vs. Sparks Erupts Into Emotional Farewell at TD Garden
The WNBA Missed a Golden Opportunity in Boston: The Sad Story of the Connecticut Sun’s Departure
What Happened? The Short Version
Imagine your favorite ice cream truck visits your neighborhood every summer. Kids line up around the block. The truck sells out every time. Then one day, the owner announces: "I’m moving to a different city. Thanks for the memories!"
That’s basically what just happened with the Connecticut Sun (a WNBA team) and Boston. The team played what was likely their last game ever in Boston at the TD Garden on Tuesday night. Instead of a celebration for a new Boston team, it was a goodbye party for a team leaving New England for Houston.
Why This Is a Big Deal: Boston Loves Women’s Basketball
The Proof Is in the Numbers
Boston didn’t just say they support women’s sports—they proved it with their wallets and presence:
- August 2024: Sun vs. LA Sparks at TD Garden → Set attendance and TV rating records
- July 2025: Sun vs. Indiana Fever (featuring superstar Caitlin Clark) → Sold out again, massive buzz
- Two straight years: Packed arena, roaring crowds, electric atmosphere
Important Point: Boston has two new women’s pro teams arriving soon—Boston Legacy FC (soccer) and Boston Fleet (hockey). The city is hungry for women’s sports. The WNBA had a ready-made fanbase waiting.
The Missed Opportunity: A "Welcome Party" That Never Happened
What Should Have Happened
| Scenario | Reality |
|---|---|
| WNBA announces: "Boston gets an expansion team!" | WNBA allows Sun to move to Houston |
| Tuesday’s game = First home game for Boston’s new team | Tuesday’s game = Farewell game for departing team |
| Mezzanine packed, tickets $200+ | Mezzanine half-empty, tickets under $50 on resale |
| Fans cheering for their new franchise | Fans writing goodbye letters to a leaving team |
Why Tuesday Felt Flat
- Both teams had losing records (under .500)
- Big stars missing: Brittney Griner, Cameron Brink, Aaliyah Edwards didn’t play
- Most importantly: Fans knew this team was leaving, not staying
Key Insight: As Sun president Jen Rizzotti said: "If local fans knew they were heading downtown to see a team that would become their own next year, they would have shown up. They always have."
Who Is Jen Rizzotti? (And Why She Cares So Much)
- Connecticut native — grew up there
- UConn legend — led the Huskies to a perfect 35-0 national championship in 1995
- Longtime coach in Connecticut
- Sun president — tried to make the exit as positive as possible
She hasn’t given up hope: "I hope one day we’ll be back here celebrating the WNBA in New England."
But as columnist Tara Sullivan writes: "By then, the moment will have passed."
The "Sunset Season": Making the Best of a Bad Situation
Since the sale was announced, the Sun rebranded their final year as "The Sunset Season" — a marketing campaign to celebrate their legacy.
What "Sunset" Represents (Per Rizzotti):
- Beauty — "Sunsets are beautiful"
- Peak brightness — "We can be our brightest before the sun goes down"
- Legacy celebration — Honoring 20+ years in New England
- Urgency — "This is your last chance to see the Connecticut Sun"
Remaining games: 10 total, including 4 at Mohegan Sun Arena (their actual home)
What Players Think: "The Support Is HERE"
Olivia Nelson-Ododa (Sun center) didn’t hold back:
"Clearly, the support is here. The support is here for women’s sports in general… so I definitely think it could be a potential expansion team or expansion opportunity here, just from the turnout that we get here and the support."
Translation: Boston is ready. The WNBA just didn’t act.
The Consequence: Starting From Zero
If the WNBA does eventually give Boston a team (expansion talks exist for 2026+), they’ll face a much harder climb:
- Lost the momentum of two record-breaking years
- Lost the habit of fans buying tickets annually
- Lost the "our team" emotional connection
- Must rebuild trust after abandoning the market
Warning: As Sullivan puts it: "The WNBA, if it does attempt a future return, will have to start all over again to seize the hearts and minds of the locals."
Summary: The Layup They Blew
| What Boston Gave | What WNBA Gave Back |
|---|---|
| Record attendance | Team relocated to Houston |
| Sold-out games | "Sunset Season" farewell tour |
| Proven market for women’s sports | Empty mezzanine seats |
| Two new pro women’s teams coming | Fans writing goodbye letters |
| Caitlin Clark cameo = massive buzz | No expansion announcement |
Bottom line: The WNBA had an open layup—a passionate, proven market begging for a team. Instead, they blew it. Boston got a sad farewell instead of a joyful welcome. And the league may have lost Boston forever.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Why did the Connecticut Sun move to Houston?
The team was sold to a new ownership group based in Houston. The WNBA approved the relocation. The exact financial details haven’t been fully disclosed, but the new owners want the team in their city.
Could Boston still get a WNBA team?
Yes! The WNBA has announced plans to expand to 16 teams by 2028 (currently 12). Boston is widely considered a top candidate. But they’ll be starting from scratch—no existing fanbase, no momentum from the Sun years.
Who is Caitlin Clark and why does she matter?
Caitlin Clark is a superstar rookie for the Indiana Fever (2024 #1 draft pick). She broke NCAA scoring records at Iowa and brought massive new attention to women’s basketball. Her July 2025 game in Boston drew huge crowds—proving Boston shows up for stars.
What are Boston Legacy FC and Boston Fleet?
- Boston Legacy FC: New women’s professional soccer team (starting 2026 in the NWSL)
- Boston Fleet: New women’s professional hockey team (playing in the PWHL, started 2024)
Both show Boston’s appetite for women’s pro sports is real and growing.
What does "under .500" mean?
It means a team has lost more games than they’ve won. A .500 record is exactly 50% wins (e.g., 10-10). "Under .500" = losing record (e.g., 8-12). Both the Sun and Sparks had losing records this season, which made the game less exciting for casual fans.
Article based on reporting by Tara Sullivan, Boston Globe columnist. Original piece published August 2025.