The WNBA's Connecticut Sun are set to relocate to Houston following a reported $300 million sale to the Fertitta family. The deal, which is subject to approval by the WNBA's Board of Governors, would see the team play the 2026 season in Connecticut before moving to Houston in 2027. The team is expected to play at the Toyota Center, home of the NBA's Houston Rockets, and be renamed the Houston Comets, taking on the name of the original WNBA franchise in the city.
The original Comets, led by Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson, won the league's first four championships and were the first WNBA dynasty. This move comes after the WNBA announced further expansion to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert had previously mentioned Houston as a city with a strong history in the league and a potential future home for a team.
The Sun have played in Uncasville, Connecticut at Mohegan Sun Arena since 2003, but have faced issues with facilities and amenities. The team's lack of a practice facility became a major issue last winter when its entire starting lineup left in free agency. The Sun went 11-33 last season, finishing in 11th place and missing the playoffs for the first time.
The relocation would bring a new era for the WNBA in Houston, with the team expected to be a major draw at the Toyota Center. The move would also give the team a chance to build a new identity and attract top talent.
The relocation of the Connecticut Sun to Houston marks a significant shift in the WNBA's landscape. The move will undoubtedly bring new excitement to the city, but it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the team in its new location. With the team set to play at the Toyota Center, they will have access to top-notch facilities, but it remains to be seen whether they can attract and retain top talent in the absence of a strong practice facility.
