WNBA Legend Lobo Disappointed by Connecticut Team Loss

Longtime Liberty star laments lack of pro women's basketball in home state.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:22pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and red overlapping to create a sense of motion and energy.The departure of the Connecticut Sun leaves a void in the WNBA's regional footprint, requiring creative solutions to maintain the league's presence in the Northeast.NYC Today

Rebecca Lobo, one of the original stars of the WNBA, has expressed disappointment that Connecticut fans will be left without a professional women's basketball team after the Connecticut Sun announced plans to relocate to a new market. Lobo, who was assigned to the New York Liberty in the WNBA's inaugural 1997 season, has deep roots in Connecticut and has been a vocal advocate for the growth of the women's game.

Why it matters

The loss of the Connecticut Sun is a blow to the WNBA's presence in the Northeast and deprives a basketball-loving state of a top-tier women's professional team. Lobo's comments highlight the importance of maintaining strong regional fan bases for the league's long-term success.

The details

The Connecticut Sun, one of the WNBA's original franchises, announced plans to relocate to a new market starting in the 2027 season. The team has played in Connecticut since its inception in 2003, developing a loyal fanbase in the state. Lobo, a Connecticut native who starred at the University of Connecticut, has been a prominent figure in the state's basketball community for decades.

  • The Connecticut Sun joined the WNBA in 2003.
  • The team announced plans to relocate in 2026 for the 2027 season.

The players

Rebecca Lobo

A former WNBA player who was one of the league's first stars, Lobo was assigned to the New York Liberty in 1997 and has deep roots in Connecticut basketball.

Connecticut Sun

One of the original WNBA franchises, the Connecticut Sun has played in the state since 2003 but announced plans to relocate to a new market starting in 2027.

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What they’re saying

“It's really disappointing to hear that Connecticut is going to be losing its WNBA team. The Sun have had such a strong connection to the state and its basketball fans.”

— Rebecca Lobo, Former WNBA Player

What’s next

The WNBA will need to find a new market to host the relocated Connecticut Sun franchise for the 2027 season and beyond.

The takeaway

The departure of the Connecticut Sun is a setback for the WNBA's presence in the Northeast, but league officials will need to work quickly to find a new home for the franchise that maintains strong regional fan engagement.