Houston, We Have a Problem, and It's Not the Poaching of the Connecticut Sun
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
The news that the Connecticut Sun franchise has been sold and will relocate to Houston, Texas in 2027 has triggered a swift response from our senior U.S. Senator, Richard Blumenthal (D).
An Anti-Trust Investigation
Senator Blumenthal has formally requested the Department of Justice to launch an anti-trust investigation into the sale. He argues that this move represents a "big market" like Houston unfairly "stealing" a beloved franchise from a "small market" like Connecticut.
The Senator's Case: A "Rigged" Process
Blumenthal’s reasoning goes beyond mere nostalgia. He alleges that the WNBA abused its monopolistic power by blocking more lucrative local offers—including a bid to move the team to Hartford—that were reportedly $25 million higher than the Houston deal. He argues that by "steering" the team to a preferred buyer for less money, the league violated the Sherman Antitrust Act, prioritizing market size over fair competition.
The Attraction of a Growing Market
While we can appreciate the Senator’s passion, his legal battle ignores a glaring economic reality: businesses are drawn to growth. The Sun's "Sunset Season" in Uncasville isn't just a sports tragedy; it’s a symptom of Connecticut’s stagnant growth.
Growth vs Stagnation
The comparisons are unavoidable. The Sun is moving to Texas, a state with no state income tax and significantly lower energy costs. By contrast, Connecticut grapples with a high tax burden, skyrocketing utility prices, and a "flat" job market.
The Carrot or the Stick?
Our officials should spend less time on lawsuits designed to "trap" businesses and more time on the factors that make a state attractive in the first place. If Connecticut were as economically competitive as Texas, the Sun wouldn't be "stolen"; they would be eager to stay.
Between the Lines: Senator Blumenthal, forget the lawsuit. The best way to keep our teams (and our taxpayers) from heading to Houston is to focus on policies that make Connecticut a place where businesses want to grow.