Springfield, MA (December 21, 2025) – On Saturday, December 13, the Connecticut Sun celebrated World Basketball Day in Springfield, Massachusetts at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. From 10:00am-1:00pm, the Sun covered the admission charge for over 200 people to enter the museum and bussed season ticket holders and Sun Community Council members from Connecticut to the event.

“It means a lot. There are many communities around Mohegan Sun that don’t really get this opportunity, so to offer this was a great experience for kids and adults alike to come out and support the Sun but also have the communities supported by the Sun. It was a fun experience, and I hope we do this again next year,” said Sun season ticket holder Aaliyah Staten.

Attendees enjoyed free access to the museum, learning the history and legacy behind the sport of basketball. Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti delivered an opening address to those in attendance, then walked through the exhibits with fans, while signing autographs. Participants had the opportunity to shoot around on the Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams, an indoor court containing hoops of various heights and styles, as well as varying three-point lines from different eras of basketball history. Additionally, attendees were able to interact with Sun mascot Blaze and shop inside the Basketball Hall of Fame Store.

As attendees shot around on the court, Connecticut Sun rookie forward Aneesah Morrow signed autographs and interacted with fans. Morrow experienced a milestone moment of her own at the event, seeing herself featured in an exhibit honoring her achievement as the 2025 recipient of the Katrina McClain Award, presented annually to the most outstanding power forward in women’s college basketball.

Reflecting upon on the meaning of receiving the award and seeing the exhibit for the first time, Morrow said, “Being here and seeing this exhibit for the first time is truly incredible. To stand among so much history and the legends who paved the way—it’s humbling. This award represents all the hard work and dedication, and seeing it celebrated like this is amazing. The way everything is put together is beautiful, and to experience it firsthand is an absolute blessing.”

On celebrating World Basketball Day at the Naismith Hall of Fame, Morrow noted, “Celebrating World Basketball Day here at the Hall of Fame is so important. It’s a chance to honor the hard work and dedication that goes into this game while sharing that love with players who pour their passion and lives into basketball. Seeing the community come together—people shooting, dunking, laughing, and enjoying the sport—is amazing. It creates an environment where everyone feels connected, and that’s what makes basketball so special.”

World Basketball Day takes place annually on December 21 and has been officially recognized by the United Nations. The United Nations recognized the sport, which includes persons with disabilities, as having an important role to play in the promotion of peace and development, respect for human rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, given its universal popularity.

Established in 2003, the Connecticut Sun is a professional women’s basketball team in the Women’s National Basketball Association that takes residence at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. For more information on the team’s community events and initiatives visit https://sun.wnba.com/community. To purchase season tickets, visit www.connecticutsun.com or call 1-877-SUN-TIXX.

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Photo Gallery: December Sun Community Council Meeting