The Houston Comets are set to return to the WNBA after Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta purchased the Connecticut Sun for $300 million. The team will relocate to Houston in 2027, playing at the Toyota Center and practicing at the Rockets' new facility. This move revives Houston's original WNBA franchise, promising strong local support and improved infrastructure for the team’s success.
The Houston Comets, a beloved name in the WNBA, are officially making a comeback. In a significant development for women's basketball and Houston sports fans, Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the Houston Rockets, has purchased the Connecticut Sun for $300 million. This acquisition will bring the WNBA back to Houston, reviving the Comets franchise with plans to begin play in the city in 2027.
Sources confirmed to ESPN that the Connecticut Sun will play their final season in Connecticut in 2026 before relocating to Houston. The Fertitta family, known for their deep ties to Houston sports, have reached an agreement to purchase the team, with an official announcement expected soon.
The team will be renamed the Houston Comets, honoring the original WNBA franchise that played in Houston from 1997 through 2008. The Comets will practice at the Houston Rockets' new training facility and play their home games at the Toyota Center, a state-of-the-art arena that already hosts the Rockets.
The original Houston Comets were a powerhouse in the early years of the WNBA. Led by iconic players such as Cynthia Cooper, Cheryl Swoops, and Tina Thompson, the Comets won the league's first four championships consecutively from 1997 to 2000. Their dominance helped establish the WNBA's credibility and popularity.
However, over time, fan interest waned as the team lost relevance, eventually leading to the franchise being dissolved in the late 2000s. The return of the Comets marks a revival of Houston's rich WNBA history and a renewed commitment to women's basketball in the city.
Tilman Fertitta, besides owning the Rockets, is also the U.S. ambassador to Italy and has longstanding ties to Houston. His investment in the WNBA team reflects a desire to bring top-tier women's basketball back to Texas, a state known for its passionate sports fans.
Houston offers a ready-made infrastructure to support the team’s success. The Toyota Center provides a premier venue for games, and the Rockets' new training facility will serve as the Comets' practice home. Additionally, the Rockets co-own the Space City Home Network, a regional sports channel that will likely broadcast WNBA games during the NBA offseason, ensuring strong media coverage.
The Connecticut Sun currently play in the WNBA's smallest media market and finished the 2025 season with the league's third-worst record. These factors contributed to speculation that relocation might be necessary for the franchise's growth and sustainability.
The Fertitta family's purchase and relocation of the team to Houston is seen as a strategic move to capitalize on a larger market with better facilities and fan engagement.
With the new collective bargaining agreement in place for the 2026 season and beyond, the WNBA is poised to focus on expansion and growth. The return of the Houston Comets is a significant milestone in this journey.
The Fertitta family is expected to invest heavily in building a competitive team, aiming to restore the Comets to their former glory. With improved economics, a strong fan base, and top-notch facilities, Houston is well-positioned to become a WNBA powerhouse once again.
The arrival of star players like Caitlyn Clark has already boosted interest in the league, and the Comets' return will likely add to this momentum.
The Houston Comets' return to the WNBA marks an exciting new chapter for women's basketball and Houston sports. With the Fertitta family's commitment and the city's excellent infrastructure, the Comets are set to become a major force in the league once again. Fans can look forward to seeing the team take the court at the Toyota Center starting in 2027, bringing back the legacy and excitement of Houston's original WNBA champions.
Stay tuned for the official announcement and further updates on the team's roster and plans as the 2027 season approaches.
