Basketball

Tina Charles Launches ‘Sunset’ Hazy IPA, Honoring Connecticut Sun Before Relocation

The former UConn star's second craft brew debuts during her jersey retirement ceremony and the team's final season in Connecticut.

Former WNBA standout Tina Charles announced the release of her second craft beer, a hazy IPA named "Sunset", on August 25, 2026, as a tribute to the Connecticut Sun franchise she helped elevate over more than a decade.

A Toast to a Legacy

The brew, produced by 78 Brewing Co., blends citrus‑forward hops with tropical fruit notes and clocks in at 6.5% alcohol by volume. Its can design mirrors the Sun’s signature orange and yellow palette, while the label pays homage to the team’s history and its fan base.

Charles unveiled the beer during the Sun’s home game against the Chicago Sky at Mohegan Sun Arena, an occasion that also marked her induction into the club’s "Sun Legends" program and the retirement of her No. 31 jersey.

The ceremony capped a career that began when she was selected first overall in 2010, earned the 2012 WNBA MVP award, and led the Sun to the Eastern Conference Finals that season. After 14 professional seasons, Charles retired on May 5, 2026, having posted a 16.3‑point, 5.8‑rebound line in her final year.

The 2026 campaign represents the Sun’s last chapter before the franchise relocates to Houston next offseason, making the beer launch a bittersweet milestone for players, supporters, and the organization alike.

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