WNBA Legends Celebrate Comets' Surprise Return at Rockets Game

Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson reunite as Houston's iconic franchise makes a comeback after nearly two decades.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:35am

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The Houston Comets, one of the WNBA's original eight teams and a dynasty in the league's early years, are making an unexpected return in 2027 after being disbanded in 2008. On Tuesday, the legendary trio of Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson were special guests of the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center, celebrating the Comets' comeback as the franchise takes over the Connecticut Sun.

Why it matters

The Comets were the WNBA's first true dynasty, winning four championships from 1997 to 2000 with their iconic trio of Cooper, Swoopes, and Thompson leading the way. Their return to the league after nearly two decades is a major event that will reignite interest in the WNBA and provide a sense of nostalgia for longtime fans.

The details

Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta agreed to pay $300 million to acquire the Connecticut Sun franchise and relocate it to Houston, bringing back the Comets name and branding. The team will begin play in the 2027 WNBA season.

  • The Comets were originally an WNBA franchise from 1997 to 2008.
  • The Comets are set to return to the WNBA in the 2027 season.

The players

Cynthia Cooper

A four-time WNBA MVP and a key member of the Comets' dynasty in the late 1990s.

Sheryl Swoopes

A three-time WNBA MVP and one of the league's all-time greats, who played for the Comets from 1997 to 2007.

Tina Thompson

An eight-time WNBA All-Star and the Comets' all-time leading scorer, who played for the team from 1997 to 2008.

Tilman Fertitta

The owner of the Houston Rockets, who acquired the Connecticut Sun franchise and is bringing the Comets back to Houston.

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What they’re saying

“Queens energy ONLY! Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Tina Thompson, and Sheryl Swoopes in the building? That's straight WNBA royalty. The Comets dynasty blueprint right there! Legendary views in Houston tonight.”

— @WhoDatAndHoops, Fan

“Just legends of the game. These are the first three players I ever knew about in the WNBA.”

— @Wholeeohh3, Fan

“Can Cynthia Cooper be the coach of the Comets?”

— @Lostpark8400, Fan

What’s next

The Comets will begin play in the 2027 WNBA season, marking their return to the league after nearly two decades.

The takeaway

The Comets' comeback is a major event for the WNBA, as the franchise was one of the league's first dynasties and helped establish the sport's popularity in its early years. Their return will reignite interest and nostalgia among longtime fans, while also introducing a new generation to the Comets' storied history.