The Connecticut Sun are relocating, marking the end of an era for the Mohegan Tribe’s ownership and ushering in a new chapter for the WNBA with the revival of a former dynasty. On Friday, the tribe reportedly agreed to sell the team to the family of Tilman Fertitta, owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, in a deal valued at $300 million, according to ESPN. The move, still pending approval from the WNBA Board of Governors, will see the Sun play through the 2026 season in Uncasville, Connecticut, before relocating to Houston and rebranding as the Comets for the 2027 season.
The sale price represents a WNBA record, though it does not include a relocation fee. This transaction underscores the growing financial health and visibility of the women’s professional basketball league, a point highlighted by recent league interventions in team sales. Last August, WNBA leadership blocked a $325 million bid to move the Sun to Boston, demonstrating a more active role in shaping the league’s future and geographic footprint, as reported by Just Women’s Sports.
The Mohegan Tribe acquired the then-Orlando Miracle in 2002, relocating the franchise to Connecticut and establishing the Sun in 2003. For over two decades, the tribe has been a steadfast owner in a league that, at times, faced instability. “What I don’t seek people to forget is the Mohegan Tribe stepped up when nobody wanted a WNBA team and there were NBA owners folding franchises left and right,” Sun president Jen Rizzotti told the Associated Press. The sale concludes a protracted saga that began gaining public attention in 2024, with multiple potential buyers emerging before Fertitta’s group reached an agreement.
The decision to revive the Houston Comets name carries significant weight for WNBA fans. The Comets were one of the league’s eight original franchises, enjoying a period of unparalleled success in the early years of the WNBA. Led by stars like Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes, the Comets won the first four WNBA championships (1997-2000). However, the franchise folded after the 2008 season, leaving a void in the Houston market and a legacy of championship basketball. The team’s return represents a chance to recapture that glory and expand the WNBA’s reach in Texas.
A New Era for the Comets and the WNBA
The Fertitta family’s acquisition signals a significant investment in the WNBA’s future. Tilman Fertitta, who also owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets and the NFL’s Houston Texans, brings considerable business acumen and marketing power to the league. The move is expected to boost the Comets’ profile and attract new fans to the WNBA, particularly in the Houston area, a major media market. The Rockets have a history of successful marketing and fan engagement, and those strategies are likely to be applied to the Comets.
Although the financial details of the deal are substantial, the WNBA’s growth extends beyond team valuations. League viewership and attendance have been steadily increasing in recent years, driven by compelling storylines, talented players, and a growing fan base. The league’s partnership with major broadcasters like ESPN and ION Television has also expanded its reach. The Sun’s sale, and the Comets’ revival, are seen as further validation of the WNBA’s increasing prominence in the American sports landscape.
What’s Next for the Connecticut Sun
Despite the impending relocation, the Connecticut Sun will continue to compete in Uncasville for the 2026 WNBA season. Rizzotti emphasized the team’s commitment to its fans during this transition period. “My focus turns to making this the best season we can have,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to say thank you to [our fans].” The Sun are scheduled to initiate their 2026 campaign on Friday, May 8th, according to the WNBA’s key dates calendar. The team will undoubtedly aim to send off Connecticut fans with a memorable season before embarking on their journey to Houston.
The WNBA Board of Governors must still formally approve both the sale and the relocation. This process typically involves a review of the financial details and a determination that the move is in the best interests of the league. While approval is widely expected, it remains a necessary step before the transaction can be finalized. The league has not yet announced a timeline for the Board’s decision, but It’s anticipated to occur in the coming weeks.
The revival of the Houston Comets represents more than just a team relocation; it’s a restoration of a beloved franchise and a symbol of the WNBA’s continued growth. The league’s trajectory suggests a bright future, with increasing investment, expanding viewership, and a growing commitment to showcasing the talent and athleticism of women’s basketball. The next key date to watch will be the WNBA Board of Governors’ vote on the sale and relocation, which will officially pave the way for the Comets’ return to the court in 2027.
What are your thoughts on the Sun’s sale and the Comets’ return? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow WNBA fans.
