WNBA Gives Final Approval Of Connecticut Suns Sale, Move To Houston As Comets

By Barry Janoff

May 14, 2026: Having official approved expansion to Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia, the WNBA and Board of Governors took the new step in solidifying the league’s future by unanimously approving the sale and relocation of the Connecticut Sun from the Mohegan Tribe to new owner Tilman J. Fertitta,

Fertitta is majority owner via Fertitta Entertainment of the NBA’s Houston Rockets.

The team will relocate to Houston beginning with the 2027 season, rebranded as the Houston Comets, and play in the Toyota Center, home to the Rockets.

Mohegan Sun Arena will remain the home of the Sun for the 2026 WNBA season. 

The deal was unveiled in March awaiting a formal voted by other WNBA team owners. The sale price was $300 million, according to industry analysts, a record for a WNBA team.

The previous version of the Houston Comets — one of the WNBA’s original eight franchises  —played from 1997-2008, winning the league’s first four championships. Players included icons Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson.

Owners of the original Comets put the team up for sale in 2008. The WNBA took over management and disbanded the team in December 2008 when no buyers appeared.

“This is an exciting time for our organization as we welcome the WNBA back to the City of Houston and revive the legacy of the Comets,” Gretchen Sheirr, Comets president of business operations, said via the team. “The momentum and enthusiasm have been evident through the overwhelming interest from fans and the business community, all eager to support the return of this franchise.

“It is a true testament to the continued growth and investment in women’s sports, which deserve a place on the world’s biggest stages. We cannot wait for the Comets to begin their next chapter — reigniting the passion of their loyal fans while inspiring a new generation.”

The Sun have been preparing for the move, holding Sunset Season activation. The Sun are staging a series of special initiatives, events and fan experiences "designed to honor the team’s legacy and impact.”

“The Sunset Season is our opportunity to celebrate an incredible legacy built together with our fans, players, partners, and the Connecticut and Greater New England community,” Sun president Jen Rizzotti said via the team.

“We intend to honor every chapter of our story and make this final season our most meaningful one yet. This season is about gratitude, celebration, and giving our fans the farewell they deserve. The Connecticut Sun story is one of resilience, community, and heart, and the Sunset Season will honor all of it.”

The franchise dates back to 1999 as the Orlando Miracle, In 2003, the Mohegan Indian tribe purchased and relocated the team to Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, becoming the first Native American tribe to own a professional sports franchise.

Now comes the third rendition of the team.

“My family and I are thrilled for the opportunity to bring the Houston Comets back to this incredible city,” Rockets alternate governor Patrick Fertitta said via the team. 

“Houston has a proud championship history in the WNBA, with banners from the Comets’ four historic championship seasons still hanging in the rafters of Toyota Center. We believe the time is right to begin the next great era of Comets basketball.”

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