Pirates Complete Partnership with the WNBA Team Connecticut Sun

By: Jake Ignaszewski

Pirates Insider

May 1, 2022

WORCESTER, MA - The Massachusetts Pirates and the professional women’s basketball team of the WNBA, the Connecticut Sun have officially completed a partnership that will lead to multiple appearances at each other’s games and other collaboration opportunities in the future.

Pirates Co-Owner, President and General Manager Jawad Yatim expresses his excitement for the new partnership with the Sun: "As we try and grow our presence in the New England region it's imperative we partner with other successful organizations in our community and we couldn't be anymore excited to kick off this partnership with such a prestigious organization in basketball. We wish them the absolute best this season and look forward to them competing for a WNBA championship, and witnessing them in action as they kick their season off shortly."

Adrian Figueroa, the Director of Marketing and Community Outreach for the Massachusetts Pirates, has been primarily active in pursuing and securing this partnership and couldn’t be prouder of this moment. “As we look to continue breaking as many barriers within the sports industry as possible, this partnership will allow us to not only partner with another winning organization, but also begin to tackle important subjects such as gender inequality. We look forward to working with the Sun, and building an amazing atmosphere for both fanbases to enjoy for years to come!”

The Suns were established in 2003 when the Orlando Miracle moved to Connecticut after the 2002 season. Since their establishment, they’ve been one of the most competitive teams in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and hold the second-highest winning percentage (.551) in the league during their existence. Over the last 19 years, they have made it to three WNBA Finals and five WNBA Semi-Finals (which was previously called the Conference Semi-Finals) over their 13 playoff appearances.

Connecticut is coming off an impressive season where they amassed the best record in the league of 26-6, which tied for the most wins in franchise history, and were three wins away from making it to the WNBA Finals. Their successful 2021 season led to many of their personnel being named at the end of the year league award ceremony. The Suns head coach Curt Miller was named the AP Coach of the Year and WNBA Coach of the Year, forward Jonquel Jones was named the Kia WNBA Most Valuable Player and AP MVP, and forward Brionna Jones was the named the 2021 Kia WNBA Most Improved Player.

The Suns President Jen Rizzotti shares her thoughts on the new partnership with the Pirates: “We are so excited to offer this additional benefit to our fan base, while creating a lasting relationship with another winning organization, right in our backyard. We are wishing the Pirates luck during their season, and we hope to see some of their players at our games!”

This lasting relationship will help bring benefits to both fan bases and their communities as well as promote gender equality within sports for years to come.