Blumenthal Probes WNBA's Connecticut Sun Sale

0:00It's April 7. From your city to your ears, this is Hartford News today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. Senator Richard Blumenthal is pushing for a federal antitrust probe into the WNBA over the Connecticut Sun sale. The team got sold to Houston Rockets owner, Tillman Fertitta for $300 million. They'll relocate to Houston in 2027 and become the Houston comets, reviving that franchise after nearly two decades. Fire bids came from New England buyers, like Boston Celtics Minority owner, Steve Pagliucas, $325 million off for last. August. An investment group led by former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner, Mark Lazarie, proposed a similar amount to keep the team in Hartford, backed by state pension. Funds from Governor, Ned Lamont. But the WNBA rejected those, saying only Houston followed league rules. Blumenthal called it a rigged process at a Hartford press conference Monday, accusing the league of muscling out competition and violating the Sherman, act against bid rigging.

1:05State leaders called the move incredibly disappointing, with fans and the local economy set to take a hit from losing the sun. He's also co-sponsoring the Home Team Act of 2026, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Kazar. That bill would force major league owners to give communities one year notice and a right to buy before any relocation. WNBA and Justice Department leaders haven't commented yet, but Blumenthal insists accountability is key to protect teams from league overreach in the future.