🔒Lamont says CT Sun likely headed to ‘bigger TV market,’ hints team could play games in Hartford next season

Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday cast doubt on the Connecticut Sun’s future in the state, telling business leaders he believes the WNBA franchise is likely to relocate to a larger media market despite recent discussions about bringing the team to Hartford. “My instinct is they’re probably going to go to a much bigger TV market,” Lamont told a crowd of several hundred business leaders attending the MetroHartford Alliance’s Annual Meeting at the PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford. However, Lamont did indicate the newly renovated Hartford arena could host “a couple” of Sun games next year, including matchups featuring former UConn women’s basketball star Paige Bueckers, who plays for the Dallas Wings, and Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever. “… we're going to get them here a couple of games next year for sure, … including Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers will be squaring off, and I want PeoplesBank Arena rocking.” The 2026 WNBA schedule has not yet been released. The Sun’s future has been uncertain since the Mohegan Tribal Nation put the franchise up for sale earlier this year. A Boston investment group reportedly bid more than $300 million, while a Hartford group backed by billionaire Marc Lasry stepped in with a proposal to move the team to Hartford. State officials also discussed potentially using pension funds to participate in an ownership offer, though there have been indications the WNBA prefers locating the franchise in a larger media market. Beyond basketball, Lamont used the event to highlight Connecticut’s economic progress, renewed interest in downtown Hartford and continued fiscal stability — while warning that federal inaction and rising safety-net costs could pressure the state budget in 2026. Lamont praised recent growth in housing demand and commercial-to-residential conversions in the Capital City, saying the region’s strong real estate appreciation shows “people want to be here” and that young residents are choosing to stay. Lamont also said the state Bond Commission is preparing to approve additional funding — $2 million, according to an agenda for the Dec. 18 meeting — for improvements around the arena and surrounding storefronts to bring more foot traffic downtown. The governor, who recently announced plans to run for a third term next year, also discussed broader economic and fiscal issues, describing a mixed outlook shaped by strong state balance sheets but rising federal risks. He criticized Washington policymakers for uncertainty around healthcare funding, including potential premium hikes on the insurance exchange and instability in SNAP benefits, which recently led to long lines at food banks across Connecticut. Lamont noted Connecticut has set aside roughly $500 million in reserves to buffer against potential federal funding losses tied to SNAP, Medicaid and other programs. Despite tightening operating budget conditions, Lamont said the state’s long-term fiscal trajectory has improved dramatically. Connecticut’s rainy day fund is near historic highs, and the state has gone from having one of the nation’s most underfunded pension systems to reaching roughly 60% funded. He credited more than $10 billion in supplemental pension payments made since 2020 for reducing future liabilities. He contrasted that with the period a decade ago when the state faced recurring deficits and repeated income-tax increases. Lamont pointed to Connecticut’s strength in defense manufacturing, life sciences, fintech and advanced manufacturing, saying the state is “on steady ground” even as parts of the national economy soften. He also emphasized workforce development as Connecticut’s “secret sauce.” The governor urged business leaders in the audience to continue acting as ambassadors for the region, saying sustained private-sector investment is key to attracting new companies and talent.“I’m a champion for the state and I believe in this state,” Lamont said, “but I need each and every one of you to believe in this state as well. You're our very best salesman.”