The Connecticut Sun, a mainstay of the WNBA for over two decades, are moving to Houston, Texas, in 2027. The sale to the Fertitta family, owners of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, marks a significant shift in the league’s landscape and brings women’s professional basketball back to a city with a rich, though previously interrupted, history in the sport.
Tilman Fertitta’s acquisition of the Sun, reportedly around $300 million according to ESPN, comes after Houston was passed over for a WNBA expansion franchise earlier this year. The league instead awarded expansion teams to Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia. This purchase provides a quicker path for Houston to rejoin the WNBA, fulfilling a clear desire to establish a presence in the growing league.
For the Mohegan Tribe, who have owned the Sun since 2003, the decision to sell wasn’t taken lightly. The tribe purchased the franchise when it was still the Orlando Miracle, relocating the team to Connecticut and building a strong foundation for women’s basketball in the region. The move represents the finish of an era for the tribe’s involvement in professional sports, but also a recognition of the significant value of a WNBA franchise in today’s market.
The Sun will continue to play at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, through the 2026 season. Fans in Connecticut will have one final season to support their team before the franchise relocates. The team’s future in Houston is expected to include a rebranding, with reports suggesting a revival of the “Comets” name, a franchise that previously existed in Houston from 1997 to 2008, winning four WNBA championships before folding.
A History in Connecticut, A Future in Houston
The Connecticut Sun have been a competitive force in the WNBA for years, consistently contending for championships. Despite never securing a WNBA title, the team has reached the WNBA Finals four times, most recently falling short in 2022. The franchise has cultivated a dedicated fanbase in Connecticut, benefiting from the tribe’s investment in the team and the surrounding community. The Mohegan Tribe’s ownership was instrumental in establishing a stable and supportive environment for the Sun, fostering a strong connection with local fans.
Houston, meanwhile, has a history with the WNBA, though a complicated one. The original Houston Comets were a dominant force in the league’s early years, winning the first four WNBA championships. However, financial difficulties led to the team’s disbanding in 2008, leaving a void in the city’s sports landscape. The Fertitta family’s purchase of the Sun offers an opportunity to resurrect that legacy and reignite the passion for women’s basketball in Houston.
Fertitta’s Vision for the WNBA in Houston
Tilman Fertitta is a prominent businessman and television personality, perhaps best known as the owner of the Houston Rockets and the Landry’s restaurant chain. He was recently appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy. His acquisition of the WNBA franchise signals a significant investment in women’s sports and a commitment to growing the league’s presence in Texas.
While Fertitta publicly pursued an expansion team, the opportunity to acquire an existing franchise proved to be a more expedient route. The Fertitta family’s existing infrastructure and marketing expertise with the Rockets are expected to be leveraged to promote the WNBA team and build a strong fanbase in Houston. The Rockets’ success in attracting corporate sponsorships and engaging with the community could translate well to the WNBA franchise.
What’s Next for the Sun and the WNBA?
The 2026 WNBA season will be a farewell tour for the Connecticut Sun as they currently exist. Fans will have the opportunity to show their support for the team one last time before the move to Houston. The league will be closely watching the transition, as the success of the franchise in Houston could pave the way for further expansion and investment in women’s basketball.
The WNBA is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth, fueled by increased media coverage, rising viewership, and the emergence of star players like Caitlin Clark. The addition of a team in a major market like Houston is expected to further accelerate this growth and attract new fans to the league. The league’s regular season is scheduled to begin on May 8, 2026, and run through September 24th.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the logistical details of the relocation, including securing a suitable arena in Houston and building a new team infrastructure. The revival of the Comets name is widely anticipated, offering a nostalgic connection to the city’s basketball past. The WNBA and the Fertitta family are expected to announce further details regarding the team’s branding and future plans in the coming months.
The sale of the Connecticut Sun to the Fertitta family represents a pivotal moment for both the franchise and the WNBA. As the league continues to gain momentum, the move to Houston promises to bring new opportunities for growth and excitement, while also marking the end of a cherished chapter for fans in Connecticut. Further updates regarding the team’s relocation and rebranding will be released as they become available.
