Chelsea council unanimously backs Connecticut Sun practice facility letter to team ownership
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Summary
The Chelsea City Council voted 10-0 to adopt a resolution expressing support for hosting a Connecticut Sun WNBA practice facility, asking the council to sign a letter of interest and begin outreach to team ownership and state partners.
Councilor Robinson urged the council to seize the opportunity after learning the Connecticut Sun was considering a move to Boston, and asked colleagues to approve a resolution signaling Chelsea’s interest.
The council adopted the resolution by roll call after a short discussion, with a 10-0 vote and one member absent. The order directs the council president to sign a letter to Stephen Pagliuca, owner of the Connecticut Sun, offering Chelsea as a potential site and asking to explore suitable parcels and partnerships.
Why it matters: supporters said a practice facility could bring jobs, event visitors and local spending while raising the profile of youth sports and women's athletics in Chelsea. “We had already identified parcels of property when we were recruiting earlier projects,” Councilor Robinson said, urging outreach to show the city’s advantages, including proximity to highways and Logan Airport.
Councilors from across the chamber added that the proposal could create internship and job opportunities for young residents. Councilor Taylor praised the economic-development approach as a model for pursuing outside investment. Councilor Brown noted potential room-tax and meal-tax benefits from visiting teams.
What next: the resolution asks that a signed letter be transmitted to team leadership and that city staff continue outreach and site review; no binding agreement was authorized. The council noted follow-up discussions with the city manager and staff will be necessary if team ownership expresses interest.
Vote: roll-call adopted 10-0 (one absent).
