Big changes are brewing for the Connecticut Sun, and the eyes of the basketball world are fixed on both the court and the boardroom. As the 2025 WNBA season winds down, Connecticut finds itself at a pivotal crossroads—balancing the future of its franchise star, Marina Mabrey, with major ownership questions that could reshape the team’s legacy in the state.
On September 30, 2025, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont made headlines with a bold proposal: the state might tap into its pension funds to buy a stake in the Connecticut Sun basketball team. The Mohegan Tribe, which has owned the Sun since their arrival in Connecticut, has been exploring a possible sale for months. Lamont’s idea, he argues, could help keep the Sun rooted in Connecticut for years to come. “We want the Sun to shine here in Connecticut,” the governor was quoted as saying in several reports, though critics have demanded full transparency and details about the plan. Public calls for Lamont to make the specifics of his proposal public have only grown louder, as fans and taxpayers alike wonder what such a deal would mean for both the team and the state’s finances.
Meanwhile, the on-court story is equally dramatic. The Sun are in the midst of a major rebuild, and all eyes are on Marina Mabrey, the veteran guard acquired mid-season in 2024. Her arrival was widely praised, injecting the team with much-needed offense and a dose of toughness. But since then, the landscape has changed dramatically. The Sun have overhauled nearly their entire starting lineup and replaced their head coach, signaling a new era for the franchise.
With franchise stalwarts Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner having departed, the Sun are now rebuilding around Mabrey and a promising young core drafted last season. The pressure is squarely on Mabrey’s shoulders, and she’s not shying away from the challenge. In a recent video message to fans, Mabrey made her intentions clear: “So yeah, I’ll be back next season.” That simple declaration has given Sun fans a much-needed boost of hope as the team looks ahead to 2026.
Sun President Jennifer Rizzotti has gone on record framing Mabrey as the foundation of the team’s future. “I just try to go off like what I wish I knew when I was younger and try to teach that and just be that guiding [presence], also somebody that holds them accountable and holds them to a standard that I know that they can reach,” Rizzotti explained. “Just so that they can reach their fullest potential in this league. So hopefully I’m a resource and I’m somebody that’s always going to be there for them but also someone that’s going to push them and hope to help them have us win.”
But the big question remains: Can Mabrey elevate her game to help develop this young roster at a faster rate? Throughout her career, Mabrey’s been lauded for her ability to shoot, space the floor, and create in isolation. However, her recent performance has sparked debate. Last season, her shooting percentage dropped significantly, drawing concern and criticism from analysts and fans alike. Yet, her agent has pushed back on speculation about a possible trade, especially in an era where player empowerment is front and center. “The reasons that we have for not trading Marina are rooted in positivity … have her be the catalyst for what we want to do offensively, taking advantage of her versatility,” the agent said, emphasizing the team’s commitment to making Mabrey the engine of their offense.
Despite the swirling rumors and the roster upheaval, Mabrey’s pledge to return marks a turning point. The Sun are now fully leaning into her as their foundational piece, both as a player and a leader. The dual assurance from both the star and the front office signals that Connecticut’s reset is well underway. Next season, expectations are sky-high. Mabrey will be expected to wear many hats—scorer, teacher, engine, and creator. If she delivers, she could reshape her legacy, not as just a midseason addition, but as the cornerstone of a new Sun era.
Of course, the franchise’s future isn’t just about what happens on the hardwood. The ongoing ownership saga has cast a shadow of uncertainty. The Mohegan Tribe’s willingness to explore a sale has left many fans anxious. Governor Lamont’s proposal to use state pension funds for a stake in the team has only intensified the debate. Supporters argue that such a move could secure the Sun’s long-term future in Connecticut, preserving a beloved institution and the economic benefits it brings to the region. Detractors, meanwhile, question whether public pension funds should be tied up in a professional sports franchise, especially when the details remain under wraps.
Transparency is the word of the day. Lawmakers, fans, and advocacy groups have all called on Governor Lamont to reveal the specifics of his plan. What percentage of the team would the state acquire? What safeguards would be in place to protect pensioners’ interests? And how would this move impact the team’s operations, both financially and on the court? As of now, those questions remain unanswered, and the pressure is mounting for clarity.
The Sun’s story is one of transition, both on and off the court. The departure of franchise icons, the arrival of a new coaching staff, and the emergence of a young, hungry core have set the stage for a new chapter. Mabrey’s return is the linchpin—her ability to embrace leadership and elevate her game will likely determine how quickly the Sun can return to contention. At the same time, the ownership debate looms large, with the potential to reshape the team’s place in Connecticut’s sporting landscape for years to come.
For fans, the coming months are sure to be filled with intrigue. Will the state step in as a part-owner, and if so, what will that mean for the franchise’s future? Can Mabrey and the new-look Sun gel quickly enough to make a splash next season? One thing’s for sure: the Sun’s future is anything but dull, and the next chapter promises plenty of drama—on the court, in the front office, and at the statehouse.
As the dust settles, all eyes remain on Connecticut. The Sun’s rebuild is underway, and the team’s fate—both in terms of ownership and on-court success—hangs in the balance. With Marina Mabrey’s commitment and a bold new vision from the front office, the Sun faithful have reason to believe that brighter days could be just around the corner.
