Massachusetts Governor Advocates for WNBA Team in Boston
As the Indiana Fever gear up to face the Connecticut Sun at TD Garden, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has made a bold statement: Boston deserves its own WNBA team. This proclamation comes as the city celebrates another sold-out game featuring the Sun, marking the second consecutive year of such an event.
In her proclamation, Healey emphasized Boston's status as "New England's capital and hub," asserting that it would be an ideal location for a WNBA franchise. The declaration also designates July 15 as "WNBA Day in Boston," a nod to the growing enthusiasm for women's sports in the region.
Earlier that day, Healey recognized All-Star Fever forward Aliyah Boston for her contributions to women's athletics. A former standout at Worcester Academy, Boston was the first overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, further highlighting the talent emerging from Massachusetts.
Just weeks prior, the WNBA announced plans to expand to 18 teams over the next five years, with new franchises slated for Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. Despite speculation earlier this year about a potential ownership bid involving Donnie Wahlberg for a Boston team, the city was not selected among the expansion sites.
Healey described Boston as "the most exciting sports town and sports market in the country," pointing to the success of local women's sports teams such as the Boston Fleet hockey team and the upcoming Boston Legacy FC soccer team. "We're ready for a WNBA team in Boston," she stated, reinforcing her commitment to advancing women's sports.
The governor's proclamation outlines several key points: Boston's rich basketball heritage, its vibrant sports culture, and the community's support for women's athletics. It highlights the sold-out crowd expected at TD Garden for the game between the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever, showcasing Massachusetts' enthusiasm for professional women's sports.
In her proclamation, Healey stated: "Whereas, Massachusetts is the birthplace of basketball... and home to the world-renowned Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield; and Whereas, Boston has phenomenal enthusiasm for women's sports... and we are so proud to host our neighboring Connecticut Sun." The proclamation culminates with a formal declaration of July 15 as WNBA Day in Boston.
With this initiative, Healey aims to galvanize support for a WNBA team in Boston, reflecting a broader movement towards recognizing and promoting women's sports across the nation.
