Boston should have its own WNBA team, Massachusetts governor proclaims

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued a proclamation declaring July 15, 2025, as "WNBA Day in Boston" and advocating for the city to receive its own WNBA team. The proclamation coincided with the sold-out game between the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever at Boston's TD Garden that evening, marking the second consecutive year a WNBA game sold out the venue.

Healey's proclamation argued that Boston, as New England's "capitol and hub," is the "perfect place for a WNBA team." She highlighted Boston's status as "the most exciting sports town and sports market in the country" and pointed to the region's existing enthusiasm for women's sports, citing teams like the Boston Fleet (hockey), Boston Guard (lacrosse), Boston Renegades (football), Boston Banshees (rugby), and the incoming Boston Legacy FC (soccer). The proclamation also emphasized Massachusetts's historical connection to basketball, being its birthplace and home to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Earlier on the same day, Governor Healey honored Indiana Fever All-Star forward Aliyah Boston (a Worcester Academy alum and 2023 top draft pick) for her work advancing women's sports.

This push comes despite the WNBA's recent announcement of expansion plans to reach 18 teams within five years, which included new franchises for Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia – but not Boston. The article notes a previous Boston Globe report that Donnie Wahlberg was part of a group planning to bid for an expansion team.

Governor Healey concluded her proclamation and accompanying statement by firmly stating, "We're ready for a WNBA team in Boston."