The Connecticut Sun might be relocating to Houston. According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou and Ramona Shelburne, the Houston Rockets’ ownership is engaged in significant talks with the Connecticut Sun about potentially buying and moving the WNBA team. While much focus has been on CBA negotiations, the future of the Sun was quietly slipping from view.
In July, the Mohegan Tribe—owners of the Sun since 2003—agreed to sell the team to Steve Pagliuca, a former minority owner of the Boston Celtics, for $325 million. However, the WNBA announced that the power to approve relocations lies with the Board of Governors, not individual teams, and nullified the sale agreement. The league emphasized that relocations would favor cities previously considered for expansion.
Houston is one such city on the league’s radar. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert hinted that Houston might be next after Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia won expansion bids, pushing the league toward an 18-team goal by 2030. Many speculated that the Sun would move to Houston. The Mohegans resisted this idea, and Connecticut even offered state funds to buy Sun shares to keep the team local, though those talks have since slowed.
Now, a direct sale to Rockets majority owner Tilman Fertitta seems to meet the approval of both the Mohegans and the league. This move continues the trend of NBA owners investing in the WNBA, which Engelbert supports. Philippou and Shelburne said talks are “positive,” with the Rockets refining an offer acceptable to the Sun, though no exclusive agreement or final decision has been made.
The Mohegans released a statement expressing their ongoing exploration of investment opportunities for the Sun, their excitement about WNBA growth, and their respect for the team’s 23-year history. No consensus or detailed plans have been disclosed yet. A resolution is anticipated before free agency begins, with the formal sale expected to close in early 2026, per Houston Chronicle’s Michael Shapiro.
Shapiro also reports the team will be rebranded as the Houston Comets, reviving the historic franchise that won the WNBA’s first four championships before folding in 2008. The Comets will play at Toyota Center, the Rockets’ home court, and use the Rockets’ practice facility.
While this revival excites many WNBA fans, it’s important to remember the Sun’s impressive legacy, which includes 16 playoff appearances, four Finals trips, and numerous MVPs and All-Star honors. Though the Sun never captured a championship in 23 years, their significant contributions to women’s basketball should not be overlooked amid enthusiasm for a bigger market and wealthier ownership.
Investing in the WNBA now makes more sense as the league is thriving, unlike in earlier years when women’s professional basketball struggled for attention. Even if the Sun’s brand may fade, the passion for women’s basketball fostered in Connecticut should carry on strong in Houston through all challenges.
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Fan Take: This potential move is pivotal for WNBA fans as it may reinvigorate a historic brand and bring the league’s excitement to a larger market with more resources. However, preserving the legacy and spirit of the Connecticut Sun will be essential to honor the roots of this growing sport.
