Connecticut, Boston, or... Houston? The Sun's Future in Play

August 14: Inside the Sun sale showdown, Kelsey Mitchell’s scoring crown, and Candace Parker signs big extension with TNT Sports.

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Inside the Tug-of-War Over the Connecticut Sun ☀️

The Sun may not set on Connecticut after all. Former Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry has matched Steve Pagliuca’s $325M bid to buy the team. Lasry reportedly wants to keep the Sun in Connecticut—closer to Hartford—while Pagliuca’s eyes are on Boston.

But there’s a twist: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has long expressed interest in adding a Houston team, and a third bidder tied to that city may be entering the fray.

Any relocation must be approved by the WNBA Board of Governors, and the league could also impose a relocation fee to help decide who gets the nod. (Front Office Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: Several ownership groups have submitted bids for expansion to new cities in recent years, but Boston hasn’t been one.

In this case, a sale and relocation would be a workaround to the WNBA’s usual bid system. That could explain why the league hasn’t yet presented Pagliuca’s deal to the Board for approval, and why a relocation fee is on the table.

Whoever wins this bid will be taking on the responsibility of owning a franchise in one of the fastest-growing leagues in sports.

2. Kelsey Mitchell is the Season Leading Scorer 📈

A new candidate is making a case for the MVP award this season. Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell has climbed to the top of the scoring chart with 661 points so far this season. (WNBA)

WHY IT MATTERS: Coming out of college, Mitchell was the No. 2 all-time NCAA scorer and the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2018. She’s been a 3x WNBA All-Star, but has flown under the national radar compared to other top WNBA talent. Now, with her elite speed and world-class shooting, she’s producing offensively at the same level as A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier. The Fever’s “secret weapon” shouldn’t be a secret anymore.

3. Candace Parker Extends with TNT Sports 📺

WNBA legend Candace Parker will keep breaking down the game for years to come. TNT Sports announced a multi-year extension that expands her analyst duties to include BIG EAST, Big 12, March Madness, and Unrivaled coverage. She’ll also contribute to Bleacher Report. (Warner Bros. Discovery)

WHY IT MATTERS: A two-time MVP and three-time WNBA champion, Parker balanced her TNT role alongside her playing career from 2019 until her retirement from the WNBA in 2024. Historically, female commentators have been restricted to discussing the women’s game, but wow she’s a leading voice for both the women’s AND men’s game.

OVERTIME ⏱️

  • Coaching Milestone: Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello notched her 101st win on Tuesday against the Sparks, making her the winningest coach in franchise history.

  • Tough Break: Atlanta’s Jordin Canada will miss at least two weeks with a right hamstring injury.

  • Cooking: Veronica Burton dropped a career high of 30 points—becoming the first player in Valkyries history to hit the 30-point mark—in their win over Washington Wednesday night.

🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked you who you think should take home the Most Improved Player this season. It was a tight race between Atlanta’s Allisha Gray, who took the lead with 38% of the vote, and Golden State’s Veronica Burton, who followed closely with 28%. No wrong answer here—both have had standout seasons!

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