WNBA's Connecticut Sun Sold, Will Move to Houston as Comets

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta buys the Sun for a record $300 million, ending the team's 23-year run in Connecticut.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold colors representing the dynamic action and competitive spirit of a WNBA basketball game.The WNBA's Connecticut Sun franchise will soon be reborn as the Houston Comets, as the league continues to attract new owners and expand its footprint.Houston Today

The WNBA's Connecticut Sun have reached an agreement to be sold to Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for a record $300 million. The team will play one more season in Connecticut before relocating to Houston and becoming the Comets again, reviving the franchise that won four WNBA championships in the league's early years.

Why it matters

This sale and relocation marks a significant shift in the WNBA landscape, as the league continues to see increased interest from NBA owners looking to invest in women's basketball. The move to Houston also resurrects the storied Comets franchise, which had been dormant since 2008.

The details

Under the deal, the Sun will play the 2026 season in Connecticut before moving to Houston and becoming the Comets again starting in 2027. The WNBA Board of Governors still needs to approve the sale and relocation. The Sun had previously received a $325 million offer to move to Boston, but the league blocked that deal, citing its relocation policies.

  • The Connecticut Sun will play the 2026 WNBA season in Connecticut.
  • The team will relocate to Houston and become the Comets starting in the 2027 season.

The players

Tilman Fertitta

The owner of the NBA's Houston Rockets, who is purchasing the Connecticut Sun for a record $300 million and will relocate the team to Houston.

Jen Rizzotti

The president of the Connecticut Sun, who expressed disappointment about the team's relocation but said the focus is now on making the final season in Connecticut a memorable one for fans.

Cathy Engelbert

The WNBA Commissioner, who previously stated that Houston was next in line for a WNBA expansion team.

Patrick Fertitta

The alternate governor of the Houston Rockets, who said the family is thrilled to bring the Comets franchise back to Houston.

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What they’re saying

“I would have loved to remain in the region for our fan base and for the fact that I think this region deserves a women's basketball team. At the same time, it wasn't my decision and I'm at a point now where my focus turns to making this the best season we can have and a memorable one for our fans. It's an opportunity to say thank you to them.”

— Jen Rizzotti, President, Connecticut Sun

“My family and I are thrilled for the opportunity to bring the Houston Comets back to this incredible city. 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, and we look forward to working with the WNBA as we move through this process.”

— Patrick Fertitta, Alternate Governor, Houston Rockets

What’s next

The WNBA Board of Governors must approve the sale and relocation of the Connecticut Sun to Houston. If approved, the team will play its final season in Connecticut in 2026 before moving to Houston and becoming the Comets in 2027.

The takeaway

This sale and move marks a significant shift in the WNBA, as the league continues to attract increased interest from NBA owners looking to invest in women's basketball. The return of the Comets franchise to Houston also revives the legacy of one of the WNBA's original and most successful teams.