The WNBA is in an expansion flurry, with teams in San Francisco (Golden State), Portland, and Toronto beginning play in the next two years. Sports Business Journal reported Cleveland will be the league’s 16th team in 2028. It started with a Thanksgiving dinner conversation. Michael Carter-Williams, the former NBA Rookie of the Year, sat with his mom, a longtime basketball coach, and asked a simple question: What if we brought a WNBA team to Boston?

Fast forward a few months, and Carter-Williams is now leading a charge to make that dream a reality. But there is a twist to this. In an exclusive tweet by Noa Dalzel, Williams confirmed his group’s plans: “No matter what road we need to travel to get there, that’s what we want to do.” The Boston Women’s Basketball Partners, co-founded by Carter and actor Donnie Wahlberg, is exploring all options to bring a WNBA team to Boston—including purchasing an existing franchise like the Sun.

The Connecticut Sun, currently New England’s only WNBA team, is based in Uncasville, Connecticut. However, the franchise has faced recent turbulence. Key players like Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner have left, and star player Marina Mabrey has requested a trade. The Sun also lacks a dedicated practice facility, a point of criticism from Thomas, who called out the team’s infrastructure shortcomings.

Despite these challenges, the Mohegan Sun tribe, which owns the team, has no plans to sell. But Carter remains undeterred. His group, the Boston Women’s Basketball Partners, is exploring all avenues. “The main goal is to get a team to Boston.” he added. Whether through expansion or acquiring an existing franchise. Nevertheless, Carter-Williams reiterated that he aims to do his due diligence. “We’re open to all possibilities,” he said. 

Known as a championship city, Boston has a passionate fan base that rallies behind its teams. He also sees potential for new rivalries, which he believes could elevate the league’s profile. “Rivalries are a huge thing in sports,” he said. “Boston is always involved in big rivalries, and that’s what makes them great.” The WNBA is expanding fast. But demand is off the charts. Cities like Philadelphia, Houston, and Nashville are all pushing for a team. Now, Boston is in the mix, too.

The Boston Women’s Basketball Partners have already garnered support from local leaders, including Mayor Michele Wu and Governor Maura Healey. While specific venues are still under exploration, Carter-Williams is confident in the city’s readiness to embrace a WNBA team. For Carter-Williams, this mission is personal. His mother’s AAU program, MCW Starz, has been a cornerstone of women’s basketball in Massachusetts for over a decade. “We’ve been involved in women’s basketball for about 12, 13 years now,” he said. “We always talked about how cool it would be to have a WNBA team in Boston.”

Carter-Williams reflects on Dwyane Wade’s complicated Bulls stint

Dwyane Wade’s time with the Chicago Bulls emerged as a complicated chapter in his story. Coming from Miami, where he was a legend, he suddenly found himself in a different role. He was nearing the end of his career, adjusting to a new team, and dealing with injuries. It wasn’t the smoothest transition.

Carter-Williams, who played with Wade in Chicago, saw it firsthand. Wade wasn’t just another veteran. He was a champion, a fierce competitor. But that season, things didn’t click the way many hoped. The Bulls had Jimmy Butler, Rajon Rondo, and Wade—three powerful personalities, each with their style of leadership.

Wade’s injuries played a big role. He spent a lot of time rehabbing, which meant he wasn’t always in practice. That made it harder for the team to develop chemistry with him on the court. When he played, he wanted the ball in his spots, but without consistent reps, it wasn’t always easy for teammates to make it happen.

At times, Wade was a powerful leader. He tried to address issues, have conversations, and push the team forward. But there were also moments where his leadership style didn’t fully connect. Frustrations built, and the team’s chemistry never quite settled. It was a strange season overall—flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistency.

Despite the ups and downs, Wade remained the competitor he always was. He wanted to win, and he expected those around him to match that energy. His time in Chicago wasn’t his best stretch, but for those who played with him, it was clear—D-Wade’s passion for the game never faded.