In an unprecedented offseason for the WNBA, the Connecticut Sun saw 12 of the 15 players who contributed significant minutes during the 2024 season depart the franchise. Only Marina Mabrey, Olivia Nelson‑Ododa, and Caitlin Bickle remain on the opening roster for the 2025 season, marking a dramatic shift for a team that has consistently performed at a high level.
This mass turnover represents a staggering 88.9% of the Sun’s playing time from last season, affecting a squad that has won 25+ games in each of the past four seasons, including a WNBA Finals appearance in 2022. The departures have drawn attention, coinciding with growing concerns over the Mohegan Tribe’s ownership of the team, which has come under intense scrutiny for its financial issues and facility shortcomings.
The Sun’s 2024 roster, which made it to the semifinals, included a starting five of DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, DiJonai Carrington, and Tyasha Harris. However, in the offseason, each of these key players signed with other teams: Thomas joined the Phoenix Mercury, Jones moved to the Atlanta Dream, Harris and Carrington both signed with the Dallas Wings, and Bonner found a new home with the Indiana Fever.
This marks the first time in WNBA history that an entire starting five from a playoff team was completely disbanded after a strong postseason run. Additionally, the team saw other 2024 additions like Tiffany Mitchell (who signed with the Las Vegas Aces) and Veronica Burton (who moved to the Golden State Valkyries) leave.
The root of this mass exodus lies in the financial difficulties of the Sun’s ownership under the Mohegan Tribe, which carries over $3 billion in corporate debt. With nearly $500 million due in the current fiscal year, the tribe’s financial constraints have severely limited their ability to invest in the team. Players have voiced concerns about the team’s facilities, with Thomas famously recalling a practice session on a half-court during a birthday party, calling it the “ultimate disrespect.”
While tribal leaders have stated they are exploring options for facility upgrades and potential minority-stake sales, tangible progress on these fronts has been slow, leading to increased frustration from both players and fans.
