The Connecticut Sun franchise has been officially sold to Tilman J. Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, with the team slated to relocate to Houston for the 2027 WNBA season. This move, approved unanimously by both the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors, marks a significant shift for the league, bringing a WNBA team back to Houston, reportedly under the historical 'Comets' banner. The sale concluded with the Mohegan Tribe, former owners, reportedly receiving a record $300 million.
Franchise Finds New Home
The transition will see the Sun playing out the 2026 WNBA season at their current home, Mohegan Sun Arena. However, before the full relocation, the team will engage in a series of games outside Connecticut during the 2026 season, including appearances at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford (May 30 and July 2) and a return to TD Garden in Boston (August 18).
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Fertitta's acquisition aligns with a broader trend in the WNBA, as an increasing number of franchises are falling under the ownership of NBA counterparts. This consolidation sees Fertitta join a growing cohort of NBA owners acquiring WNBA teams, a move that also applies to the league's anticipated expansion cities like Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
A New Chapter for Houston
Houston's basketball landscape is set to be revitalized with the return of a WNBA presence. The franchise's new identity is widely expected to honor the city's original WNBA team, the Houston Comets, a name steeped in league history. This move represents the latest development in the WNBA's ongoing efforts to expand its reach and presence in major markets.
While the Sun have historically been a consistently successful team on the court, with conference titles in 2004 and 2005, their presence in Connecticut, described as the WNBA's smallest market, reportedly presented challenges in attracting free agents. The franchise has played in Connecticut since 2003. In their most recent completed season, 2025, the Sun posted an 11-33 record and missed the playoffs.
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The deal's officialization comes after months of reports and speculation, with the initial agreement for the sale to Fertitta Entertainment reportedly announced in March. The impending relocation also raises questions about the future development infrastructure for the team, as the Sun are noted as the sole WNBA franchise lacking a private practice facility.
