Connecticut Sun legend and former UConn standout Tina Charles will be enshrined forever in franchise history on Tuesday, entering the Sun Legends program ahead of a home game against the Chicago Sky at Mohegan Sun Arena, according to team announcements.
A Historic Banner Night at Mohegan Sun Arena
Connecticut is honoring the franchise’s first league MVP by placing her No. 31 jersey inside the arena rafters. According to a team release, the ceremony takes place at 7 p.m. before the Sun face the Chicago Sky. Charles spent her rookie season and formative years with the organization, establishing a baseline of success that set a high standard for the franchise.
“To be named a Connecticut Sun Legend is something I honestly never imagined, and I’m just incredibly grateful,” Charles said in a release provided by the team. “It’s such a full-circle moment because everything started for me in Connecticut, and now this chapter ends here too.”
Did you know? Tina Charles was selected No. 1 overall by the Sun in the 2010 WNBA Draft following a legendary collegiate career at UConn, where she led the Huskies to back-to-back undefeated national championships, according to team records.
Franchise Records and Dominant Legacy
Charles holds multiple franchise career records that underscore her impact on the court. According to franchise statistics, she remains the Sun’s leader in career points per game (17.3) and rebounds per game (10.8). Furthermore, she recorded 80 career points-rebounds double-doubles and three games with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a Sun uniform.
During her third season with the franchise in 2012, Charles captured the WNBA Most Valuable Player award after averaging 18.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per contest, according to league and team data. She also earned two All-WNBA First Team selections and two All-Star nods during her time in Connecticut.
Joining an Elite Class of Sun Legends
With this induction, Charles joins a prestigious group of franchise greats. According to the Sun, she becomes part of the Class of 2026 Sun Legend inductees alongside Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas, Jasmine Thomas, and Curt Miller. Former head coach Mike Thibault is scheduled as the final inductee on Sept. 20 before the team’s final meeting with the Minnesota Lynx in Uncasville.
Prior inductees already hanging in franchise lore include Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Margo Dydek, Nykesha Sales, Katie Douglas, Lindsay Whalen, and Asjha Jones, according to team historical records.
Franchise Context and the Countdown in Uncasville
The tribute arrives during a critical final stretch for the franchise. According to league standings, the Sun hold a 9-26 record and have only four home games remaining in franchise history before the team relocates to Houston this offseason.
“Connecticut became home, and it helped shape not only the player I became, but the woman I am today,” Charles stated in the team release.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Tina Charles being inducted into the Connecticut Sun Legends?
Tina Charles is being inducted on Tuesday ahead of the Sun’s 7 p.m. game against the Chicago Sky at Mohegan Sun Arena, according to the team.
What records does Tina Charles hold for the Connecticut Sun?
According to franchise records, Charles holds the career records for points per game (17.3) and rebounds per game (10.8), along with 80 career double-doubles and three 20-20 games.
Who else is in the Sun Class of 2026 Legends?
According to team announcements, Charles joins Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas, Jasmine Thomas, and Curt Miller in the Class of 2026.
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