The league still must approve the sale, which will be for a record $325 million, and declared Saturday nine other cities which sought WNBA expansion franchises "have priority over Boston."

A group led by Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca has reached a deal to buy the Connecticut Sun for a record $325 million and move the team to Boston, according to a person familiar with the sale.

On July 11, Gov. Dan McKee reportedly met with investors to discuss the possibility of bringing the team to Providence.