If the reported figures are accurate, Houston seems to be the WNBA’s top choice for relocating the Connecticut Sun. Recently, Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta has repeatedly expressed his strong interest in bringing a WNBA team to Houston, either by securing an expansion franchise or by relocating an existing one.
There appears to be momentum behind this effort. Annie Costaville from Front Office Sports shared that sources close to the sale claim Houston remains a favored destination within the league. Fertitta’s expansion bid, although reportedly missing out on the $250 million expansion fees paid by Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia (all of whom recently received expansion teams), might still proceed if he is willing to pay the necessary selling and transfer fees to facilitate acquiring a team.
WNBA Commissioner Kathy Engelbert has acknowledged the league’s preference, mentioning the “next timeline for Houston to evaluate bids.” Meanwhile, former Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca is bidding to relocate the Sun to Boston, and Mark Lasley, ex-co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, seems focused on bringing the Sun to Hartford, Connecticut. Despite these bids, Houston appears to be the preferred option if financial terms are similar.
Houston has a rich history with women’s basketball, having been home to the Houston Comets from 1997 to 2008. Led by legends like Cynthia Cooper, Cheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson, the Comets won the first four WNBA championships consecutively from 1997 to 2000.
Interest in women’s basketball has surged nationwide in recent years, thanks in part to rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. This revival has boosted the sport’s economics and generated enthusiasm for expanding the WNBA with new franchises. Houston benefits from a ready-made infrastructure, including modern practice facilities, NBA venues like the Toyota Center, and co-ownership of regional sports networks (Space City Home Network), which can immediately support a new team.
There is still uncertainty about the timeline for the Sun’s potential relocation. The team is set to play in its current arena through 2026, with a possible move occurring no earlier than 2027. In May, the Sun’s ownership hired investment bank Allen & Company to explore selling the franchise. The Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority since the team moved from Orlando in 2003, currently operates in the WNBA’s smallest media market and holds the league’s worst record (5-26), fueling speculation about a potential move.
Fan Take: This potential move to Houston is exciting for WNBA fans as it signifies the league’s growth and the return of women’s basketball to a city with a historic legacy. Houston’s strong infrastructure and passionate fan base could boost the sport’s visibility and foster long-term success for the franchise and the league as a whole.
