24
Oct
4 min read
Connecticut Sun WNBA Profile: Five things you need to know
Sun's Sustained Excellence and Near Misses
- Four WNBA Finals appearances (2004, 2005, 2019, 2022)
- Three Eastern Conference Championships (2004, 2005, 2019)
- Fifteen playoff appearances in 21 seasons
The Connecticut Sun have been one of the WNBA's most consistently competitive franchises, known for sustained success and multiple deep playoff runs.
Overview
The Connecticut Sun were established in 2003 when the Orlando Miracle franchise relocated to Uncasville, Connecticut. Under the ownership of the Mohegan Tribe, the Sun quickly became one of the WNBA's model franchises both on and off the court. Led by legendary coach Mike Thibault for their first decade, the Sun made the playoffs in eight of their first ten seasons, including back-to-back WNBA Finals appearances in 2004 and 2005.
Australians who have played for the Connecticut Sun
Erin Phillips: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Phillips joined the Connecticut Sun in 2006. During her tenure, she was known for her versatility and leadership on the court. Phillips played with the Sun until 2009 before continuing her WNBA career with other teams.
Laura Summerton: Hailing from Adelaide, South Australia, Summerton played for the Sun during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. As a forward/centre, she contributed to the team's front court depth.
Team History
The Sun hit the ground running in their inaugural 2003 season, making the playoffs in their very first year in Connecticut. They followed that up with a trip to the WNBA Finals in 2004, falling to the Seattle Storm in three games. The 2005 season saw the Sun post a franchise-best 26-8 record and return to the Finals, where they lost to the Sacramento Monarchs.
After several years of playoff appearances but earlier exits, the Sun missed the postseason from 2013-2016 as they underwent a rebuild. The hiring of coach Curt Miller in 2016 sparked a resurgence, with the team returning to prominence and making another Finals run in 2019.
The Sun represent one of the WNBA's great "what if" stories - a franchise that has consistently been among the league's best but has yet to capture that elusive championship despite multiple close calls. Their sustained excellence over two decades, including 15 playoff appearances, speaks to the stability and winning culture established in Connecticut.
As the first independently-owned WNBA franchise not affiliated with an NBA team, the Sun helped prove the viability of the women's professional game. Their engaged ownership and passionate fanbase have made them a model franchise.
Few WNBA teams can match the Sun's combination of regular season success, playoff appearances, and multiple trips to the Finals. While they haven't yet captured a title, the Sun's sustained competitiveness over 20+ years puts them among the league's elite franchises.
The Sun have featured some of the WNBA's biggest stars over the years, including Nykesha Sales, Lindsay Whalen, Tina Charles, and Jonquel Jones. Their ability to consistently build championship-caliber rosters speaks to the organisational excellence in Connecticut.
Five Fast Facts
- The Sun are the oldest franchise in WNBA history to have never won a championship
- Connecticut has made the playoffs in 16 of their 22 seasons since relocating from Orlando
- The Sun set a franchise record with 28 wins the 2024 WNBA season.
- Connecticut has had only four head coaches in their history: Mike Thibault, Anne Donovan, Curt Miller, and Stephanie White
- The Sun play their home games at Mohegan Sun Arena, on the Mohegan reservation
Career Highlights Timeline
2003: Sun relocate from Orlando and make playoffs in inaugural Connecticut season
2004: Reach first WNBA Finals, falling to Seattle
2005: Post franchise-best 26-8 record and return to Finals
2012: Win franchise-record 25 games under coach Mike Thibault
2019: Return to WNBA Finals for first time in 14 years
2021: Match franchise record with 26 wins and claim #1 overall seed
2022: Make fourth WNBA Finals appearance, falling to Las Vegas
2023: Lost to the New York Liberty in the WNBA Semi-Finals
2024: Lost to the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Semi-Finals
The Connecticut Sun's journey over the past two decades exemplifies sustained excellence in the WNBA. From their early success under Mike Thibault to their recent resurgence led by Curt Miller and now Stephanie White, the Sun have consistently fielded competitive teams capable of making deep playoff runs.
Their four trips to the WNBA Finals across three different decades (2004, 2005, 2019, 2022) showcase the franchise's ability to rebuild and retool while remaining a perennial contender. Stars such as Nykesha Sales, Lindsay Whalen, and Tina Charles in the early years gave way to modern standouts like Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas, and DeWanna Bonner.
What sets the Sun apart is their remarkable consistency. In 21 seasons since relocating to Connecticut, they've made the playoffs 15 times - a success rate that few WNBA franchises can match. Even during brief down periods, the Sun have quickly bounced back to contention.
The Sun's near-misses in the Finals (losing in 2004, 2005, 2019, and 2022) have only added to their compelling narrative. Each time they've come close to that elusive title, only to fall just short. This has created a sense of unfinished business that drives the organisation forward.
Off the court, the Sun have been trailblazers as well. As the first independently-owned WNBA franchise not tied to an NBA team, they helped prove the league's viability. Their passionate fanbase and strong attendance numbers have made Mohegan Sun Arena one of the WNBA's best home court advantages.
The Sun's consistent competitiveness, multiple Finals appearances, and organisational stability firmly place them among the WNBA's best franchises, even without a championship to their name. Their sustained excellence and ability to remain relevant across different eras of the league make the Connecticut Sun a vital part of WNBA history.
As they continue their quest for that first title, the Sun remain one of the WNBA's model franchises - a team that has consistently competed at the highest level while helping grow women's professional basketball. Their story is one of excellence, perseverance, and coming tantalisingly close to the ultimate prize time and time again.
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