Connecticut Sun

Connecticut Sun History

Founded in 1999 as the Orlando Miracle, the team emerged during the WNBA's expansion from ten to twelve teams, serving as a counterpart to the NBA's Orlando Magic. By 2003, financial difficulties threatened the team's existence, prompting the Mohegan Indian tribe to step in, purchase, and move the franchise to Mohegan Sun. This acquisition marked the first instance of a Native American tribe owning a professional sports team.

Connecticut Sun Owner

Earlier when this franchise started as The Orlando Miracle was established in 1999 under the ownership of RDV Sports, Inc., a Michigan-based corporation founded by Richard DeVos for the acquisition of the NBA team, the Orlando Magic. In 2003, the franchise transitioned to the Connecticut Sun after being purchased by Mohegan Sun, an American casino enterprise owned and operated by the Mohegan Tribe. The Tribe resides on the Mohegan Indian Reservation along the Thames River in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Connecticut Sun Jersey and Logo

The team's name is inspired by its connection to the Mohegan Sun, and its logo features a modern adaptation of an ancient Mohegan symbol.

Connecticut Sun Retired Jersey

Over the years, the Connecticut team has boasted numerous All-Stars, yet only four players have had the honour of having their jersey numbers retired by the franchise. These legendary figures are listed by their jersey numbers: No. 12 - Margo Dydek, No. 13 - Lindsay Whalen, No. 23 - Katie Douglas, and No. 42 - Nykesha Sales.

Connecticut Sun Home Stadium

The Mohegan Sun Arena, located within the Mohegan Sun casino resort in Uncasville, Montville, Connecticut, serves as the home stadium for the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA. This multi-purpose venue, constructed by the Perini Building Company and inaugurated in October 2001, accommodates 10,000 spectators. The arena includes 30,000 square feet (2,800 m²) of adaptable exhibition space and a 400-foot (120 m) clear span.

Before moving to Connecticut in 2003, the franchise was known as the Orlando Miracle. The team competed in Orlando, Florida and at that time their home stadium was the TD Waterhouse Centre.

Connecticut Sun Tickets and Broadcasting

Currently, NBC Sports Boston holds the television rights for the Connecticut Sun.

Before 2023, the Sun's games were broadcast on NESN (New England Sports Network). Additionally, local television station WCTX in Connecticut had previously aired Sun games. This marked the second period during which WCTX broadcast Sun matches, having originally done so before the 2010 season. Often, NBA TV would pick up the local feed to air these games nationally.

The broadcasting team for Sun games on WCTX included Bob Heussler alongside either Rebecca Lobo, Jennifer Rizzotti, or Kara Wolters. From 2012 to 2014, CPTV Sports (CPTV-S) carried Sun games. During the 2011 season, the games were shown on Comcast Sports Net New England, with Mike Gorman as one of the announcers. Other broadcasters who have covered Sun games in the past include Leah Secondo and Kara Wolters.

Connecticut Sun Coaching Staff

Stephanie White was appointed as the head coach of the Connecticut Sun in 2022 and became the sixth head coach in the franchise's history. In her debut season with the team in 2023, White led the Sun to a remarkable 27-13 record, setting a new franchise benchmark for the most wins in a single season. In that year She earned two titles one was the 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year and the other one Associated Press Coach of the Year.

White's coaching team includes some of the excellent sports figures such as Briann January, Assistant Coach; Abi Olajuwon, Assistant Coach; and Austin Kelly, Assistant Coach. The support staff also features highly skilled professionals: Peter Feeney, Director of Basketball Operations and Player Personnel; Keith Porter, Player Development Coach; Analisse Rios, Strength & Conditioning Coach; and Ryan Newton, Head Athletic Trainer.

Connecticut Sun Famous Players

Alyssa Thomas

Alyssa Thomas was selected fourth overall by the New York Liberty in the 2014 WNBA draft but was traded to the Connecticut Sun on draft day. In her rookie season with the Sun, she played 34 games, starting in 28 of them, and averaged 10.0 points and 5.1 rebounds. Her impressive performance earned her a spot on the 2014 WNBA All-Rookie Team. Throughout her WNBA career, this 6 foot 2 in tall, versatile star has become a four-time WNBA All-Star in the years 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023. Currently, in the 2023-24 season, Thomas is averaging 12.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

DeWanna Bonner

DeWanna Bonner was chosen as the fifth overall pick in the 2009 WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and playing as a small forward for the Mercury, she achieved two WNBA championships (in 2009 and 2014). After this glorified career, In 2020, Bonner was acquired by the Connecticut Sun. Throughout her career, Bonner has been selected to the WNBA All-Star team five times (in 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023).

In the current 2023-24 season, she is averaging 17.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

Connecticut Sun WNBA Records and Stats

The Connecticut Sun have reached the WNBA Playoffs in 15 out of their 21 seasons. Although the Sun has made it to the WNBA finals on four occasions (2004, 2005, 2019, and 2022) but has not yet captured a championship.

Connecticut Sun Hall of Famers

Although the Connecticut Sun have had many great players, only one player, Margo Dydek, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Dydek played as a center, wore jersey number 12, and was inducted in 2019.

Jennifer Rizzotti was honoured in 2013 by the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, not for her playing career but for her role as team president. She joined other UConn icons such as Coach Geno Auriemma who was inducted in 2006 and Rebecca Lobo who was inducted in 2010.