The WNBA is returning to Houston, with Tilman Fertitta set to acquire the Connecticut Sun and relocate the franchise to the Texas city, reviving the historic Houston Comets name. The deal, reportedly valued at $300 million, awaits formal approval from the WNBA Board of Governors, though Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has indicated Houston has been a priority for expansion or relocation. The team will continue the current season as the Connecticut Sun before officially rebranding.
The move officially ends a lengthy period without a WNBA presence in Houston since the original Comets ceased operations in 2008. The return signifies the resurrection of a franchise recognized as the league's first dynasty, having won four WNBA championships and making four Finals appearances. The original Comets roster featured foundational players such as Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson, who were integral to the team's success and earned individual accolades, including multiple All-WNBA selections for Cooper and Swoopes.
The acquisition and relocation are framed by some as a strategic move to capitalize on Houston's established WNBA legacy and fan base. Gretchen Sheirr, business operations resident for the Houston Rockets, expressed enthusiasm for "reviving the legacy of the Comets" and ushering in "the next great era of Comets basketball." This sentiment is echoed by original Comets players, with Cynthia Cooper stating a desire to win a fifth championship for Houston. The city's Rockets have already shown support, with coach Ime Udoka seen sporting a WNBA hoodie referencing the Comets' championship banners.
The process leading to this return was described as "arduous," involving a lengthy period where the Connecticut Sun were on the market. While expansion into Houston was previously signaled by the league, the current agreement centers on relocation. The original Comets, active from 1997 to 2008, not only achieved on-court success but also set attendance records, indicating a strong market presence during their tenure. The transfer of players from defunct franchises to existing teams was standard practice when the league restructured.
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This revival is positioned as a significant moment for women's sports, setting a new financial benchmark with the reported $300 million sale price. The WNBA has explicitly stated Houston as a target market for expansion or relocation for several years.
