PROVIDENCE, R.I. — With Connecticut Sun ownership exploring a possible sale and relocation of the WNBA franchise, Rhode Island might have a rare opportunity to bring professional sports back to the Ocean State.
Sun president Jennifer Rizzotti confirmed Tuesday that the team’s ownership group, led by the Mohegan Tribe, is “exploring all options to strategically invest in the team.” The news follows a Sportico report that investment bank Allen & Co. has been hired to evaluate options, with “the expectation [being] a control sale and likely franchise relocation.”
The Sun have played in Uncasville, CT, since 2003, when the Mohegan Tribe purchased and relocated the team from Orlando. With the team’s future in flux, the question arises: Should Rhode Island throw its hat in the ring?
Rhode Island’s Pro Sports Legacy: This state has a proud sports history—
The Providence Steamrollers (NFL champions in 1928)
The Providence Steamrollers (early NBA team in the 1940s)
The beloved Rhode Island Reds minor league hockey team
The Pawtucket Red Sox, who called McCoy Stadium home until 2021
The Providence Bruins, still going strong in the AHL
And now, Rhode Island FC, bringing pro soccer to Centreville Bank Stadium
In 1999, then Providence Mayor Buddy Cianci tried to bring the New England Patriots to Providence.
Would you support the WNBA coming to Rhode Island? If they were to come to Rhode Island, what should they be called?
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