Connecticut Sun to Relocate to Houston After 2026 Season

UConn coach Geno Auriemma laments the loss of the WNBA franchise from the state it helped build.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:49pm

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The Connecticut Sun, a WNBA franchise that has called Mohegan Sun Arena home since 2003, will be relocating to Houston starting in the 2027 season. The sale of the team to a group led by Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta for $300 million is pending approval by the WNBA's Board of Governors. UConn coach Geno Auriemma, who has helped build a passionate women's basketball fanbase in Connecticut, expressed disappointment over the move, saying it 'leaves a void' in the state.

Why it matters

The Connecticut Sun has been a fixture in the state's women's basketball landscape for over two decades, with deep ties to the UConn Huskies program that Auriemma has built into a powerhouse. The team's relocation to Houston represents the loss of a WNBA franchise that had established its own dedicated fanbase in the region, beyond just UConn supporters.

The details

The Sun sale and relocation comes after the WNBA reportedly rejected multiple bids to keep the team in New England, including $325 million offers from prospective ownership groups in Boston and Hartford. The Mohegan Tribe purchased the franchise, then known as the Orlando Miracle, and relocated it to Connecticut over 20 years ago. The Sun had been one of the WNBA's top-performing franchises on and off the court until recent years, when the team struggled to attract free agents and had its worst season in 2025.

  • The Connecticut Sun will play their final season in Uncasville in 2026.
  • The team is expected to begin play in Houston starting in the 2027 season.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, who has helped build a passionate fanbase for women's basketball in Connecticut over his four decades leading the Huskies.

Tillman Fertitta

The owner of the Houston Rockets, who is leading the group that has agreed to purchase the Connecticut Sun and relocate the team to Houston.

Jennifer Rizzotti

The president of the Connecticut Sun and a former star player for the UConn Huskies.

Morgan Tuck

The general manager of the Connecticut Sun and a four-time NCAA champion with the UConn Huskies.

Rebecca Lobo

A Hall of Famer who played for the Connecticut Sun after a storied career with the UConn Huskies.

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What they’re saying

“Connecticut deserves to have a team, because we're a proven (place) where people will support women's basketball. So them now moving, I think it leaves a void. They had a great fanbase, and it wasn't only UConn fans or fans only went when UConn players came.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Women's Basketball

“To be honest with you, Jen Rizzotti and I would talk a lot, and it's hard to get free agents to come. What's your choice: Chicago, Dallas, (Los Angeles), Las Vegas, Atlanta? No disrespect, but free agents, it was hard to get them to go to Uncasville, so that played a big part in it as well.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Women's Basketball

“At one time, the NBA owners owned everything, and it started to slip away. Now it's coming back, and pretty much the majority of the teams that are coming in are going to be sort of NBA-centric. That's where the money is, and the players want a lot of money, and the league is selling franchises for a lot of money. And the guys at Mohegan made a lot of money, so everybody wins.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Women's Basketball

What’s next

The sale of the Connecticut Sun to the Houston-based ownership group led by Tillman Fertitta must be approved by the WNBA's Board of Governors before the team can officially relocate to Texas.

The takeaway

The Connecticut Sun's impending move to Houston represents the loss of a WNBA franchise that had deep ties to the state's women's basketball legacy, built in large part by UConn coach Geno Auriemma. While the financial realities of the modern WNBA landscape have made it difficult for the Sun to thrive in Uncasville, the team's departure leaves a void in a region that has long been a hotbed for the sport.