The ownership group of the Houston Rockets, led by Tilman Fertitta, is reportedly in discussions with the Connecticut Sun’s owners about the possibility of purchasing the WNBA team and relocating it to Houston. Houston hasn’t had a WNBA team since 2008 when the Comets folded, despite being a dominant franchise with four consecutive WNBA championships and star players like Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, and Tina Thompson.
The Mohegan Tribe, current owners of the Sun, is considering selling the team, and the WNBA prefers to transfer ownership to an NBA team. The Rockets Group has offered $250 million, while the Sun’s owners are holding out for closer to $325 million—the amount offered by former Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca, who intended to move the team to Boston. However, the WNBA blocked that deal, and the Rockets have since reportedly increased their bid, though the exact figure remains undisclosed.
The league also attempted to purchase the Sun itself with plans to move the team to Houston, but that effort failed. Now, the Houston group is working hard to meet the Sun’s expectations, and while a sale seems near, it has not yet been finalized. The Sun explored options to keep the team in Connecticut, such as state partnership as a minority owner, but those efforts did not succeed.
All parties aim to complete a deal before WNBA free agency begins, but this is uncertain as the league continues to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union. More clarity is expected after the new year when these contract discussions are anticipated to conclude.
The potential return of the WNBA to Houston is exciting news. Houston was one of the pioneering cities in the league, making it unfortunate the Comets disappeared nearly 17 years ago.
Fan Take: This development is huge for WNBA fans, as bringing the Sun to Houston revives a historic basketball city’s connection to women’s professional basketball. It could also boost the league’s visibility and growth, energizing a passionate fanbase and inspiring the next generation of players.
