You didn’t need Sherlock Holmes sniffing for clues about whether people in Connecticut would embrace their newest professional sports team. The hundreds of fans waiting patiently in line for former University of Connecticut and current WNBA stars to autograph anything and everything -- newspaper clippings, sneakers, basketballs, photographs -- were evidence enough that the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun’s fan base likely will be one of the most supportive and vociferous in sports.

“For the fans, in a lot of ways they are welcoming their daughters and granddaughters back home,” said Houston Comets forward Rebecca Lobo, who led the nearby UConn women’s basketball team to the 1995 NCAA title. “That’s how they treat the women who play at UConn, like a member of their family. So, in some ways, it’s like the kids you have who moved away because of their jobs, but now are coming back home.”

Lobo was joined by former Huskies stars Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Tamika Williams, Nykesha Sales and Kara Wolters; New York Liberty guard Teresa Weatherspoon; WNBA President Val Ackerman; and a host of dignitaries at the Mohegan Sun Arena yesterday to announce that Connecticut had been awarded a WNBA team for the 2003 season. Owned and operated by the Mohegan Sun, the Connecticut Sun, formerly the Orlando Miracle, becomes the first WNBA team not affiliated with an NBA team.

“The WNBA is thrilled to be bringing professional basketball to a state that perhaps more than any other epitomizes what women’s basketball can be -- competitive, exciting and supported by knowledgeable and loyal fans,” said Ackerman. “The Connecticut Sun will be playing in a world-class facility and will be promoted by a sophisticated management team that has proven it knows how to showcase great sporting events.”

Nykesha Sales returns home.
M. David Leeds
WNBAE/Getty Images

With 11 former UConn players currently on nine WNBA rosters – the most players in the league from one school -- and Sales, the Huskies’ all-time leading scorer and a three-time WNBA All-Star suiting up for the Sun, Connecticut, the state and school, will be well-represented.

“I think it’s just a blessing that I get to play back here in Connecticut,” said Sales, who grew up in Bloomfield, Conn. “Being away for so many years, I realize what a great experience I did have here. The fans were great in Orlando, but these fans are extremely proud of women’s basketball and they show so much support. I’m just glad to be home and glad to be able to experience the UConn fans again.”

For Weatherspoon, who plays her home games a short ride down I-95, the proximity to the Sun means only one thing: “I already know this is going to be considered a rivalry, simply because it's in the backyard of New York,” said Weatherspoon. “But when you look at what the University of Connecticut women’s team has done with their fan base, this is going to be a great place to play basketball.”

Fans attending the Jan. 28 press conference had one question. The answer? Sun season tickets are on sale now by calling 1-877-SUN-TIXX.
M. David Leeds/WNBAE/Getty Images

The five former UConn stars in attendance that will not be suiting up for the Sun couldn’t contain their excitement about returning to Connecticut to play, even if it meant playing for the opposing team.

“It’s going to be great, said Bird. “It was great for me to go back to New York last year. It’s another game I can circle on my calendar, where my friends and family don’t have to visit me in Seattle. They can see me in their own backyard.”

At least one other player, though, said she wouldn’t mind playing more than a couple of games in Uncasville.

“I’m thinking, hopefully, trade,” quipped Sacramento’s Wolters, UConn, Class of ’97.