Former UConn standout and WNBA veteran Tina Charles is set to add another chapter to her basketball‑to‑brew narrative with the launch of 'Sunset' Hazy IPA, a citrus‑forward craft beer that pays homage to the Connecticut Sun.
A Toast to a Legacy
The brew, produced by 78 Brewing Co., will make its debut on August 25, 2026, at Mohegan Sun Arena during the Sun’s matchup against the Chicago Sky, an evening that will also see Charles inducted into the franchise’s 'Sun Legends' and have her No. 31 jersey retired.
'Sunset' IPA, clocking in at 6.5% ABV, blends bright citrus and tropical fruit notes, a flavor profile that mirrors the team’s vibrant identity as it prepares to relocate to Houston for the 2027 season.
Charles first entered the beer market with '78‑0', a tribute to UConn’s historic back‑to‑back undefeated national championships that marked her junior and senior years, and the new release builds on that personal connection to her collegiate roots.
From UConn to the Brew House
Now 34, Charles spent five seasons with the Sun from 2010 to 2014 and returned for a final campaign in 2025, averaging 16.3 points per game before announcing her retirement on May 5, 2026 after 14 WNBA seasons.
The ceremony will spotlight the Sun’s storied history, celebrating a franchise that has reached the Eastern Conference Finals twice and earned two MVP awards, a 2012 championship‑contending season, and a legacy that includes Charles’ own MVP honor in 2012.
A Final Season in Connecticut
Fans can expect the Sunset IPA to roll out across Connecticut retailers this fall, offering a tangible reminder of the team’s final chapter in the Nutmeg State before the move.
A New Chapter for the Sun
As the franchise prepares for its transition to Houston, the brew serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a toast to the future, linking Charles’ personal journey with the team’s enduring impact on Connecticut basketball.