PHOENIX — One of Connecticut’s most beloved players of all-time, UConn women’s basketball All-American Rebecca Lobo, said Thursday that she is saddened and disappointed that the WNBA couldn’t find a way to keep one of its most historic and well-run franchises in New England.

 “I am disappointed, of course,” Lobo said. “Especially because of their story. They were the first franchise not owned by an NBA team, and they kind of saved the Orlando Miracle franchise from just going away and having one less team in the league.”

The Sun have been in Connecticut since 2003 when the Mohegan Tribe bought the franchise that was struggling in Orlando after four seasons in Florida (1999-2002).

Despite tremendous success in Connecticut that included four trips to the WNBA Finals and 17 playoff appearances, the Sun struggled to attract free agents due to its location and lack of a dedicated practice facility.

After the decision to sell the franchise was made, the Sun tried to relocate to either Boston or elsewhere in Connecticut, but received pushback from the WNBA and ended up selling to a Houston group led by NBA Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for $300 million.

Lobo, who led UConn to its first undefeated season and national championship in 1995, is sad for the Sun fans who have been so supportive for the last two decades.

“I am disappointed for the fans,” Lobo said. “For the most part, it has been one of the best-run franchises over its time in the WNBA. Just from what you read about how it all went down, it is too bad that the team wasn’t able to relocate to Hartford or Boston somewhere in New England.”

“It is sad for the fans, because it feels like Connecticut and New England should have a professional women’s franchise.”

Lobo was a cornerstone player for the WNBA. She was assigned by the league to be the first player for the New York Liberty in hopes that her popularity could help the closest franchise to Connecticut.

The Naismith Hall of Fame and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee played seven seasons in the WNBA, including her last 25 games in Connecticut for the Sun.