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Houston Comets Return as Connecticut Sun Relocate
WNBA franchise moves from Mohegan Sun to Houston, leaving behind loyal fans in Connecticut
Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:20am
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The Houston Comets, a four-time WNBA champion, are returning to the league after the Connecticut Sun franchise was sold to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and will relocate to Texas. The move marks a bittersweet moment, as Connecticut loses its WNBA team despite maintaining a strong women's basketball fanbase fueled by the success of the UConn Huskies. The Sun's departure highlights the WNBA's evolution, with the league prioritizing larger markets and NBA-affiliated ownership.
Why it matters
The return of the Comets brand to the WNBA is a win for Houston, which lost the team at the start of the Great Recession. However, the departure of the Sun is a blow to Connecticut, which has been a loyal supporter of the women's game. The move reflects the WNBA's shift towards larger markets and NBA-backed ownership, which may leave some smaller markets behind despite their passion for the sport.
The details
The Connecticut Sun franchise, which was owned by the Mohegan Sun Tribe and played at the Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, has been sold to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and will relocate to Houston as the Comets. The Comets were a dominant WNBA team in the early 2000s, winning four championships, before the franchise folded in 2008. The Sun had been in Connecticut since 2003, when the Mohegan Sun Tribe purchased the Orlando Miracle franchise and moved it to the state. However, the Sun struggled to attract large crowds and faced logistical challenges, such as the nearest airport being an hour away from the arena.
- The Connecticut Sun franchise was sold in March 2026.
- The Comets franchise will return to the WNBA beginning in the 2027 season.
The players
Tilman Fertitta
The owner of the Houston Rockets, who has purchased the Connecticut Sun franchise and will relocate it to Houston as the Comets.
Geno Auriemma
The head coach of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, who expressed disappointment over the Sun's departure from Connecticut.
What they’re saying
“The people at Mohegan Sun, they stepped up when they were needed and brought a team to Connecticut. We're a proven [place] where people would support women's basketball. Now [with them] moving, I think it leaves a void.”
— Geno Auriemma, UConn Head Coach
What’s next
The Comets franchise will officially return to the WNBA in the 2027 season, marking the first time the team has competed since 2008. The league will also be adding three new expansion teams in 2027, all of which are connected to NBA ownership.
The takeaway
The return of the Comets to the WNBA is a win for Houston, but the departure of the Connecticut Sun is a significant loss for a state that has been a passionate supporter of women's basketball. The move reflects the WNBA's shift towards larger markets and NBA-affiliated ownership, which may leave some smaller markets behind despite their dedication to the sport.
