UNCASVILLE – Saniya Rivers wore a crocheted No. 22 jersey handmade by Sun fan Andrianna Wilkinson. Mohegan Sun Casino employees were spotted in Connecticut Sun gear as casino-goers were seen playing slot machines, also dressed in the team’s signature color.
Former Sun legend Nykesha Sales was honored at center court pregame. Blaze, the Sun’s fiery mascot, made his pregame half-court shot on the first attempt and celebrated by jumping up and down, running around on the court. Later, mini white parachutes tied around rolled-up T-shirts fell from the ceiling.
The Houston Chronicle, the team’s new local paper, sent a reporter to Uncasville to cover the game.
The most beautiful part of every sunset is often the last seconds when the sky boasts a breathtaking collage of warm, colorful streaks and the sun gives its last goodbye before slipping below the horizon. It’s so powerful that you can’t look away or capture the moment perfectly.
Such was the case at Mohegan Sun Arena Thursday night when the Connecticut Sun gave fans one last hoorah by defeating the Toronto Tempo, 95-81
After 24 seasons, the franchise has ended.
And you just had to be there. The capacity crowd roared loudly with every made bucket, every substitution and every defensive stop. Connecticut didn’t just introduce its starters but its entire roster. Players took their time signing autographs, knowing it was the last time.
“I woke up this morning a little sad, but then once I got dressed, ready for the day, I just felt more excited,” said Aaliyah Edwards. “Just because it’s the last time of everything. Last time we’re gonna do a lift. Last time we’re gonna do shootaround. Last time lacing up with Connecticut across my chest.
“… It’s a bigger purpose than just winning a ‘chip. We’re ending a legacy, and to be a part of that impact and part of that final roster, it’s an honor for real. It really is.”
Thursday was the Sun’s final day at Mohegan Sun Arena. Players were given boxes earlier in the day to pack up their lockers and belongings. They had to be completely moved out of the arena following the game.
Due to Mohegan Sun Arena’s concert schedule, the team, which borrows the arena and corresponding space from the Mohegan Tribe, hasn’t practiced inside its home venue since before the WNBA’s World Cup break in mid-August. Last week, the team practiced at both the Tribal Community and Government Center and the New London Recreation Center.
Connecticut’s Aaliyah Edwards, left, shares a smile with teammate Hailey Van Lith during the Connecticut Sun’s final game in franchise history at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., Thursday, September 24, 2026. The team is moving to Houston. (Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media)
“I hate to see the organization go from Connecticut, but I mean, change is good. I think it’ll be better for us, obviously, just having like the facilities for one,” Rivers told CT Insider. The Sun is the only WNBA franchise without a dedicated practice facility. “… But it doesn’t discredit anything from the organization. Obviously, they paved the way for us to be here. I’m blessed to have been drafted here.”
In 2003, the Mohegan Tribe invested in the WNBA when no one else would. The tribe saved the Orlando Miracle from folding by relocating the team to Uncasville and rebranding it as the Connecticut Sun. The tribe was the league’s first independent owners and its first successful owners – the Sun became the league’s first franchise to make profit.
Connecticut was just as successful on the court, reaching four WNBA Finals and winning two Eastern Conference Championships. Its players became superstars. Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Lindsay Whalen and Tina Charles all started their historic WNBA careers in Uncasville.
While it never won a WNBA Championship or boasted a fancy practice facility, Connecticut proved it could thrive in a small market and captured the hearts of women’s basketball fans all across New England. Twice, the team sold out Boston’s TD Garden.
For those playing up the road in Storrs with UConn women’s basketball, having such close access to the WNBA was immeasurable.
“I’m a visual learner, so it really helped me kind of continue to envision my dream of becoming a pro,” said Edwards. “Visibility and accessibility are so big in our league and in our sport, especially women’s sports, because it helps the next generation feel inspired. So, I’m very grateful for this arena. Very grateful for the people who make up this arena.”
Connecticut Sun fans hope for autographs prior to the team’s final game in franchise history at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., Thursday, September 24, 2026. The team is moving to Houston. (Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media)
Yet, now in the league’s new age of million-dollar contracts, player shoe deals and sold-out NBA arenas, it’s clear there’s no more room for owners like the Mohegan Tribe and small markets, like Uncasville. The WNBA has its sights set on the biggest and wealthiest owners and has prioritized large, central markets to take advantage of its popularity boom.
Last year, the tribe announced it was selling the team. Not only was it in billions of dollars of debt, but it could no longer afford to compete with other WNBA owners. Offers to keep the team in New England rolled in, including serious contenders in Boston and Hartford.
However, the WNBA had the final say and already had an owner in mind. In May, the league got its way and approved the sale of the team to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for $300 million – notably, $25 million less than what Boston and Hartford were willing to pay.
Connecticut’s Aaliyah Edwards is announced during the Connecticut Sun’s final game in franchise history at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., Thursday, September 24, 2026. The team is moving to Houston. (Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media)
In Houston, the Sun will be rebranded as the Houston Comets, reviving the former franchise that won the league’s first four WNBA Championships before folding in 2008 after failing to find new ownership.
The new team will begin playing in 2027 in the Rockets’ home arena. Sun president Jen Rizzotti and general manager Morgan Tuck are relocating with the team and will retain their roles.
“It is really kind of surreal to be a part of the last, you know, ever of our team and organization,” said Tuck. “… I think through this process, though, it has really shown us just how much the Sun has meant to people that have come … Once it’s done, once (Sept.) 24th is over, it’s over. And I think it’s going to leave a bit of a hole in people’s hearts a little bit.”
The sentiment around members of the Sun echoes from players to staff when asked about the upcoming move: “It’s bittersweet.” They’ll mourn the loss of the Sun franchise but are excited to revive an historic franchise and play under new owners with more resources.
“For me, it’s kind of like a slow burn because I’m so sad. I don’t want to pack up all my stuff. Like I love the home that I built for myself just in Connecticut,” said Rivers, who said she’ll miss her trips to Mystic for ice cream and eating sweet Thai chili wings at The Blue Duck in New London. “But like I said, change is good. You got to embrace it, no matter how sad it is or how scary it may be.”
Connecticut Suns long time fan Lois Perry, 98, of Enfield, is recognized next to her son George Curry, of Windsor, prior to the team’s final game in franchise history at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., Thursday, September 24, 2026. The team is moving to Houston. Perry has been a season ticket holder since the first season. (Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media)
Added Edwards: “I think what excites me about Houston is just the eagerness for women’s basketball in a new city. I think that’s the biggest thing. Also, just being a part of a rebirth of a franchise. I’ve never really been a part of something like that before, so that anticipation is exciting for me … I’m excited about the Texas rivalry (with the Dallas Wings) as well. So, I can’t wait for that. You know I’m competitive.”
As for who’s coming over from the actual basketball roster, those decisions will be made following the conclusion of the 2026 season, including the fate of head coach Rachid Meziane, who went 22-66 the last two seasons.
“I’m sad. Because this is the end,” Meziane said before Thursday’s game. “… I want to be very grateful because they give me this chance to be a head coach in the best league in the world to work with the best players or at least play against the best players in the world. I will never forget that.
“I will never forget the trust they put on me as well because, I mean, as a president, as a GM, if you are looking at our results, I mean, it was easy to fire me, but the good thing is also that Jen and Morgan know basketball. … So, they understood the situation. They put me in this rebuilding process too. … I don’t want to be just the first European coach or French coach to be in the league; I also want to win. So, I hope that I will get a chance to be more successful and to keep working with our players.”
The Sun ended the 2026 season with an 11-33 record. Last year, it also finished 11-33. It enters the offseason tied with Toronto for the best odds in the upcoming Draft Lottery, where USC superstar JuJu Watkins is expected to be the top overall pick.
Connecticut dubbed Thursday’s franchise finale as “Fan Appreciation Night.” Fans in attendance received a commemorative ticket for tonight’s game. Longtime season-ticket holders were recognized, including a woman who’s been a ticket holder since the team’s inaugural season in 2003 and turned 98 on Thursday.
Connecticut’s Saniya Rivers cheers from the bench during the Connecticut Sun’s final game in franchise history at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., Thursday, September 24, 2026. The team is moving to Houston. (Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media)
With three and a half minutes remaining, fans behind the Sun bench began chanting ‘thank you’ to each individual Sun player. The arena turned off the lights and asked the fans to shine their phone flashlights to “light up the Sun one last time.” When each Sun player checked out for the final time, the crowd thanked them with standing ovations — even rookie Nell Angloma, who fouled out early.
After the game, fans hosted a farewell party in the casino’s Sun Patio.
“Once that final buzzer hits, I just hope that everyone appreciates and gets everything what they want out of this game today and what they want out of our franchise today,” said Edwards.
While it’s likely the WNBA will return to New England, it’s unlikely it will ever return to Connecticut. It’s outgrown the state despite its history in the sport. When the W returns to this part of the country, the league will most likely target Boston as its new New England home.
So, for now, as corny as it is … it’s true. The Sun has set on Connecticut.
Next May, when the 2027 WNBA season starts, it will rise again … in Houston with a new name, a new logo and a new beginning.
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