In a groundbreaking move for the WNBA, the Connecticut Sun is set to be sold to the Fertitta family, owners of the NBA's Houston Rockets. This $300 million deal, a record for a WNBA team, will bring professional women's basketball back to Houston, Texas. The Sun, currently owned by the Mohegan Tribe, will play one final season in Uncasville, Connecticut, before relocating in 2027.
The WNBA Board of Governors still needs to approve the sale and relocation, with an official announcement expected soon. The franchise is likely to be renamed the "Houston Comets," a nod to the original team that dominated the league from 1997 to 2000 with four consecutive championships.
The Connecticut Sun has been a consistent playoff contender, making the postseason eight years in a row before starting a rebuild in 2025. Despite reaching the Finals four times, they have yet to secure a championship. Once in Houston, the team will call the Toyota Center home, sharing the venue with the Rockets.
This move is part of a broader expansion strategy by the WNBA, with new teams planned for Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. Houston's rich basketball history and strong ownership make it a prime candidate for this revival.
Previously, a sale of the Sun to Steve Pagliuca, a former Boston Celtics minority owner, fell through due to league decisions. The WNBA hasn't seen a team sale since 2021, when Larry Gottesdiener acquired the Atlanta Dream.
The original Houston Comets were a powerhouse, led by legends like Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson. Their financial struggles led to their sale in 2008, but the return of the Comets could reignite that legacy.
With rising stars like Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Paige Bueckers boosting the league's popularity, the timing seems perfect. Texas fans will soon have two teams to cheer for, as the Dallas Wings are currently the state's sole representative.
The 2026 WNBA season is set to tip off on May 8, following a landmark collective bargaining agreement that raised the average player salary to over $580,000. This deal marks a new era for the league, promising lasting changes and growth.