Fertitta Family in Advanced Talks to Bring WNBA’s Connecticut Sun to Houston
The Houston Rockets’ ownership group, led by the Fertitta family, is reportedly in “concrete” negotiations to acquire and relocate the Connecticut Sun of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) to Texas. The potential move, first reported by ESPN on Friday, marks a significant development in the WNBA’s expansion plans and could revitalize professional women’s basketball in Houston.
Connecticut Sun Sale and Houston’s Pursuit
The Connecticut Sun have been on the market for several months, with previous attempts to relocate the franchise to Boston ultimately unsuccessful. The current owners, the Mohegan Nation, who acquired the team in 2003, appear to be satisfied with the latest offer from the Fertitta family. The proposed acquisition price is estimated to be around $250 million.
This potential relocation aligns with the WNBA’s broader strategy for expansion, which includes planned new teams in Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Detroit by 2030, as well as consideration of San Francisco, Toronto, and Portland. Houston was identified alongside Boston as a prime candidate for expansion, making this acquisition a strategic move for the league.
Competition and Regulatory Hurdles
The Fertitta family’s bid appears to have surpassed a competing offer led by Steve Pagliuca, a minority owner of the Boston Celtics. Pagliuca previously attempted to purchase the Sun in recent months, but the WNBA reportedly halted the process due to regulatory concerns.
A Potential Return for the Comets?
The arrival of a WNBA team in Houston raises the possibility of reviving the legacy of the Houston Comets, the WNBA’s first dynasty. The Comets dominated the league in the 1990s and early 2000s, winning four championships before folding in 2008. While it is too early to confirm whether the new franchise will adopt the Comets name, the prospect has generated excitement among local basketball fans.
Fertitta Family’s Expanding Sports Portfolio
Tillman Fertitta currently owns the Houston Rockets, with day-to-day control of the NBA franchise having transitioned to his son since 2025. This move into the WNBA further expands the Fertitta family’s influence in professional sports, coinciding with Fertitta’s appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy under the Trump administration.
The potential acquisition of the Connecticut Sun represents a significant investment in women’s basketball and a commitment to growing the sport in Houston. The WNBA’s expansion continues to gain momentum, and the Fertitta family’s involvement signals a bright future for the league and its fans in Texas.
