Connecticut Sun fans finally have something to celebrate this offseason

WNBA legend Tina Charles returns to the organization that drafted her 15 years ago.

Fifteen years after she began her WNBA career, Tina Charles is heading back to the Connecticut Sun, where she was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 2010.

Charles, the WNBA’s second-leading all-time scorer and all-time leading rebounder, is signing a one-year deal with the Sun — who entered an offseason of uncertainty that has been headlined most of the Sun’s rotation players departing for other organizations.

“Today marks an incredible moment in our team’s history as we welcome back one of the greatest players to ever grace the WNBA,” said Morgan Tuck, the team’s newly-appointed general manager, in an official press release.

“Tina not only helped define the success of this franchise during her early years, but she also set the bar for excellence, both on and off the court. Her passion, leadership, and dedication to the game have left an incredible mark on our league, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her return to the team where it all began. This is a full-circle moment that strengthens our foundation and inspires the next generation of players and fans alike. We are extremely excited for this next chapter of Connecticut Sun history with Tina back in a Sun uniform.”

Charles won’t instantly elevate the Sun into relevancy, but she does serve as the team’s first free agency signing — and an impactful one, at that. In her 430-game career, Charles has averaged 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and one block. She was named the league MVP in 2012, and is considered to be one of the greatest WNBA players to never win a championship.

What Tina Charles brings to the Connecticut Sun

Tina Charles didn’t play in the WNBA in 2023, but returned in 2024 and had a productive season with the Atlanta Dream, averaging 14.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. At 36 years old, she’s not the same force she once was — nor is she as efficient a post-player as Brionna Jones, who signed with the Dream earlier this week.

But, she is still one of the better bigs in the WNBA, and someone will bring veteran experience to a team whose 2025 roster currently remains uncertain. She’s also a prolific rebounder who can effectively compete with any of the league’s premier post players.

Charles had several standout moments last season, including a game-winning midrange shot that gave the Dream a victory over the Storm in August.

The Dream, plagued by injuries, underperformed last year. But, Charles was a bright spot in what was an otherwise letdown year in Atlanta. Fans at the Mohegan Sun Arena will get to enjoy watching one of the game’s all-time best players compete on a nightly basis.

The Sun currently have 7 players under contract for next season

The Sun’s entire starting lineup from last season is no longer on the roster. Alyssa Thomas and Ty Harris were traded to the Phoenix Mercury (with Harris later being traded to the Dallas Wings). DiJonai Carrington, who was a restricted free agent, was traded to the Wings in exchange for rookie Jacy Sheldon (the Sun also received the 2025 No. 8 pick for the No. 12 pick). And, earlier Sunday morning, ESPN reported that DeWanna Bonner, who was a free agent, signed with the Indiana Fever.

They also lost backup point guard Veronica Burton, who was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in their expansion draft.

That leaves the current 2025 roster as follows:

• Natasha Cloud (acquired via trade from Phoenix)
• Marina Mabrey (was already under contract)
• Lindsay Allen (acquired via trade from Chicago)
• Tina Charles (signed as a free agent)
• Olivia Nelson-Ododa (was already under contract)
• Jacy Sheldon (acquired via trade from Dallas)
• Caitlin Bickle (training camp contract)

Connecticut still has 4 or 5 open roster spots ahead of next season, and it’s also possible that any of the players they currently have under contract will be flipped. It’s still an uncertain offseason in Uncasville, but Charles marks the team’s first impactful free-agency signing. It also signals the Sun are not necessarily entering a rebuilding era where the focus will be accumulating young talent — and how exactly things will shape up in the coming weeks remains to be seen.