Simply put: They’re exploring if they can get more investors or if it might be more beneficial to sell the team, which could open the Sun to relocation.
The Sun have one of the most unique ownership structures in professional sports. The franchise is owned by the Mohegan tribe, which purchased the team more than two decades ago when it was about to fold in Orlando.
But it costs a lot more to be competitive in the WNBA than it used to, and an ownership group that fit well 20 years ago might get boxed out in 2025.
After decades of underinvestment in the WNBA, the league is quickly turning into an arms race.
Teams are building out their facilities at a rapid clip to meet the moment. The defending champion New York Liberty announced in March plans to build an $80 million practice facility in Brooklyn. The expansion Golden State Valkyries launched this season with a 31,800-square-foot facility in nearby Oakland, Calif.
The Sun, on the other hand, went viral during the playoffs last year when they had to share their practice court with a child’s birthday party.
As investment in the WNBA grows rapidly, can the tribe and the Sun keep up?
ESPN reports the tribe helped the Sun become the first WNBA franchise to turn a profit.
“I’ve been here for four years. I think the tribe can support whatever they want, whatever decision they make,” Sun president Jennifer Rizzotti told ESPN. “They do everything first class. They pride themselves on guest experience and attention to detail and true investment in the right ways.
“If the tribe decides they want to own this team, they’re as competitive, I think, as any ownership group in the league.”
But Sportico reports the expectation for the Sun is a sale…