A New Chapter for Houston Basketball
The WNBA is set to see the return of a legendary name in women's basketball. According to reports, the Fertitta family, spearheaded by Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, has finalized an agreement to acquire the Connecticut Sun. The transaction, valued at $300 million, will see the franchise move to Houston in time for the 2027 season, following one final season in Connecticut.
The Return of the Comets
This acquisition sets the stage for the team to be rebranded as the Houston Comets. The original Comets were a cornerstone of the WNBA during the league's inception, famously securing four consecutive championships between 1997 and 2000. Led by icons such as Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, and Tina Thompson, the organization was a powerhouse until its dissolution following the 2008 season. It is widely expected that the new iteration of the team will play its home games at the Toyota Center, sharing the venue with the Rockets.
Transition and Previous Ownership
The Sun, originally known as the Orlando Miracle from 1999 to 2002 before moving to Connecticut in 2003, have enjoyed competitive success with four WNBA Finals appearances, though they have yet to secure a championship trophy. The team struggled significantly last season, finishing with a record of 11-33.
The Path to Relocation
Tilman Fertitta had previously expressed interest in securing a WNBA expansion team for Houston, though the league prioritized other markets in its recent growth phase, including the additions of Toronto and Portland, with Philadelphia, Detroit, and Cleveland slated for future entry.
The road to this sale involved other interested parties. As reported by sources, a group led by Boston Celtics minority owner Stephen Pagliuca previously attempted to purchase the Sun from the Mohegan Tribe for $325 million. That proposal included a $100 million investment in a new practice facility and a move to Boston.
«The WNBA stepped in and stopped that deal, however, and wanted to give priority to cities that have already taken part in the expansion process,» the report noted.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert had previously indicated that Houston was a top priority for league expansion. While Boston remains a potential candidate for a future franchise, the league has chosen to honor the established pipeline, bringing professional women's basketball back to a city with a rich championship history.