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The WNBA Is Coming To Boston

The Connecticut Sun might be considered New England’s women’s basketball team, but realistically, they play 110 miles away at Mohegan Sun. However, this August the WNBA team will play a…

DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Connecticut Sun reacts against the New York Liberty. WNBA in Boston game will be August of 2024
Sarah Stier/Getty Images

The Connecticut Sun might be considered New England's women's basketball team, but realistically, they play 110 miles away at Mohegan Sun. However, this August the WNBA team will play a home game in Boston.

It's a start. Towards the end of 2023, the Sun released a promotion that stated, "The Sun Will Rise In Boston." CBS News then relayed that the Sun will take over TD Garden on Tuesday, August 20. One day, however, we might have a dedicated Boston team. CBS News explained that San Francisco has been awarded the next WNBA expansion franchise. "Recently there were "rumblings" about the possibility of a team coming to Boston," they said.

Now with the start of the 28th WNBA season fans can't help but wonder if Boston has a chance to be the next city with a team down the line. Perhaps this August will be a great test as the city has obviously never had a WNBA team.

For now, we will all look forward to the Sun vs. Sparks this August as the event certainly has a lot of star power. But up next on the Connecticut Sun's official schedule, they will play the Los Angeles Sparks.

WNBA In Boston What You Need To Know

The game tips off at 7 PM. Technically, it will be the Sun's first home game in over a month. After the July 14th home game vs. Phoenix, the team breaks for all-star weekend. Then, this year, there is a four week break for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

Upon returning to action the Sun head down south to take on Dallas and Atlanta before heading north to TD Garden.

The Connecticut Sun has two New Englanders on its roster. Guard Moriah Jefferson and center Olivia Nelson-Ododa are both from the University of Connecticut.

As for rookies, Taiyanna Jackson was the Sun's first pick this past draft at number 19. Jackson is from Kansas and plays center. The other rookie in the franchise is Helena Pueyo, who was drafted out of Arizona. Pueyo also plays for the Spanish national team.

This is where things get extra interesting for the Sun's game in Boston. The Los Angeles Sparks bring a lot of star power to the game. Forward Cameron Brink was the second overall pick in the draft by the Sparks. Two picks later, the Sparks added another forward in Rickea Jackson. So, at the TD Garden, this is a chance for fans to watch two of the top four rookie picks in person.

The WNBA regular season starts May 14. The interest in the game has certainly been helped by the incredible performances in women's college basketball the past few years. Now many of those top college players will be showcased in the pro game. The biggest name of course is Caitlin Clark who was the first pick by the Indiana Fever. To add the excitement, the Connecticut Sun start their season vs. Clark and the Indiana Fever at home on Tuesday, May 14.

5 Cities That Should Be Considered For An NBA Expansion Team

Which cities should be considered for an NBA expansion team? There's always rumors that the National Basketball Association is looking to expand, but where should it go?

We decided to play NBA Commissioner and identified 5 cities that should be considered. What cities do you think would be good options? Let's dive in.

5 Cities That Should Be Considered For An NBA Expansion Team

It seems like every year media and executives start talking about cities that could and should be considered for an NBA expansion team. Actually, it happens in every sport. Recently, I saw Atlanta is trying to get a hockey team again. Third time's the charm, right? Baseball and football also seem to have these conversations. However, with football recently moving two teams to Los Angeles and one to Las Vegas, they probably won't be making any moves any time soon.

However, there's a real chance we could see an expansion team in the NBA soon. It's constantly discussed and there are some major markets that could really use a professional basketball team. So, what factors should go into a city getting an NBA team? Well, they need a passionate fanbase. That's first and foremost. It doesn't have to be the biggest or most populated city, you just need people who will show up and fill the stadium. Recently, we saw Oklahoma City be a successful expansion city. You'd never expect that to work but it's been a massive success in the area. It shows the model works.

Next, you need to consider proximity. New York City does not need another team. They already have the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets. In fact, there are several teams in close proximity to New York City. Cities like Boston, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia have teams that are a close drive or train away. Is there any area in the country without a team? That's something to consider.

So, here's what I came up with as the Interim NBA Commissioner. What city do you think should be considered for an NBA expansion team? Let us know! Check out the list below!

Cities That Should Have An NBA Expansion Team

Las Vegas, NV

There is a real chance that this happens sooner than you'd think. Las Vegas has been discussed as a landing site for an NBA team for a while. They've hosted Summer Leagues in Las Vegas that have had some success. They've also recently brought an NFL team to the city and a few years ago introduced an NHL team. The Vegas Golden Knights have been a huge success story and their games are a one-of-a-kind experience that you can only get in Vegas. Yes, a Las Vegas NBA team will absolutely work. Will LeBron be the owner?

Tampa Bay, FL

Sure, Florida already has the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic, but what about a team on the state's West Coast? The Gulf needs a team, too! Tampa is already a proven market for the NFL and it has an MLB team, too! Yes, there are some issues with baseball, but that's not basketball's issue! If hockey can be successful in Tampa then so can basketball! Tampa is a big market that loves sports. Don't forget they hosted the Toronto Raptors when travel was limited. So, it's been shown that it can work before. I can see this happening one day.

Kansas City, MO

Kansas City is fresh off back-to-back Super Bowl championships. Do they need another team in the city? No, they're probably set with having an NFL dynasty and a baseball team, too. However, it would absolutely make sense for an NBA team to come to Kansas City. Clearly, they love their sports there. That has been proven.  I know they had a team before and it relocated to Sacramento. However, it's time to reconsider bringing a team back. Additionally, it makes sense geographically. There's not a team out that way and it could be a big draw. People could come from St. Louis and out west. It makes sense to me!

Nashville, TN

Nashville is a fun city. It has a huge draw and there's so much to do. However, you can always add more to the city. The city already has an NFL team and an NHL team. Neither seems to have problems bringing people in for the games. This would be an exciting addition to a city that's already buzzing. Just like Kansas City, it also makes sense geographically. Louisville is a big college basketball town and is nearby. Sure, you have Memphis in-state. However, that's a totally different vibe. Nashville should be considered for an NBA expansion team.

Seattle, WA

Bring back the SuperSonics! It simply needs to happen. The city was devastated when the team moved to Oklahoma City. Seattle deserves a team. I'm not just saying that because their jerseys were the coolest in the league. The entire league would love to see this happen. Next to Vegas it's probably the most likely to happen. That would be awesome.

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.