Blumenthal Calls for Federal Investigation Into Sun Relocation Deal

The deal, announced Monday, involves the transfer of ownership from the Mohegan Tribe to Tilman Fertitta’s Fertitta Entertainment, which also owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets. According to a statement, the agreement is valued at approximately $300 million, with plans to relocate the team from Uncasville, Connecticut, to Houston following the upcoming WNBA season.

The decision has sparked backlash among state leaders, including U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who has called for federal scrutiny of the transaction. According to a statement, Blumenthal urged the Department of Justice to investigate the deal and examine what he described as potential anticompetitive conduct tied to the league’s approval process.

Local frustration has been amplified by reports that an alternative proposal could have kept the team in-state. According to a statement, former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry submitted a higher bid—reportedly $325 million—that would have relocated the team from Uncasville to Hartford instead of moving it out of Connecticut.

Blumenthal criticized the situation in strong terms, saying, “What’s really frustrating is that the team is moving without any apparent caring about the fans. I’m really angry about it, because clearly the WNBA put their thumb on the scale and exerted pressure—in fact, they virtually blocked any deal that would have kept the team here in Connecticut.”

Despite the political pushback, legal experts suggest there may be limited avenues to stop the relocation. According to a statement from analysts cited in reports, professional sports franchises like the Sun operate under league governance, and league approval of a sale and relocation typically carries decisive weight.

Blumenthal acknowledged that while options may exist, they are uncertain. He pointed to the possibility that Connecticut’s current attorney general, William Tong, could pursue legal action to challenge the move, though he emphasized that such a decision would rest with Tong. “I’m not saying he should or must,” Blumenthal noted.

Tong has also expressed concern about the transaction. According to a statement issued prior to the official announcement, he questioned the reported sale price, suggesting it was lower than offers that would have kept the team in Connecticut.

As tensions rise, the dispute underscores broader concerns about fan loyalty, local investment and the power dynamics within professional sports leagues such as the WNBA. While Connecticut officials continue to explore their options, the likelihood of preventing the move appears uncertain as the league and new ownership move forward with their plans.

Source: Front Office Sports