The possibility of the WNBA returning to Houston is gaining real traction, and the Houston Rockets appear to be at the center of that conversation. According to reports from ESPN, Rockets ownership is engaged in substantive and increasingly positive negotiations to acquire the Connecticut Sun, with the long-term goal of relocating the franchise to Houston.
If finalized, the move would mark one of the most significant developments in women’s professional basketball in recent years and revive a historic market that once defined the league’s earliest success.
ESPN’s sources familiar with the discussions describe the talks as constructive, with the Rockets recently increasing their financial offer to approximately $250 million. That figure aligns with recent WNBA expansion fees paid by Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia, placing Houston’s bid firmly within the league’s current valuation framework.
While no exclusivity agreement has been signed and no final decision has been made, the momentum suggests that Houston is once again positioned as a leading candidate to host a WNBA franchise.
Houston Rockets Could Help Bring the WNBA Back to the City
Houston holds a unique place in WNBA history. The city was home to the legendary Houston Comets, an original franchise that won the league’s first four championships between 1997 and 2000.
Led by icons such as Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson, the Comets helped define the WNBA’s identity before financial challenges forced the franchise to fold in 2008. Since then, Houston has remained one of the most frequently mentioned markets whenever league expansion or relocation is discussed.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has publicly acknowledged that interest. During the league’s recent expansion announcement, Engelbert highlighted Houston as a market the league continues to monitor closely, praising both the city’s basketball history and the support of Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.
Those comments reinforced the idea that Houston’s absence from the WNBA has never reflected a lack of league interest, but rather timing and structural considerations.
The potential involvement of the Houston Rockets strengthens that position significantly. The WNBA has increasingly favored franchises backed by NBA ownership groups, viewing those partnerships as a pathway toward long-term stability, shared infrastructure and enhanced visibility. A successful Houston WNBA return would fit squarely within that strategy.
The Connecticut Sun and the Road to a Possible Sale
The Connecticut Sun represent one of the WNBA’s most stable and competitive franchises. Originally founded as the Orlando Miracle, the team relocated to Connecticut in 2003 after being purchased by the Mohegan Tribe. Since then, the Sun have consistently reached the playoffs and appeared in multiple WNBA Finals, although a championship has remained elusive.
Over the past year, Sun ownership initiated a process to explore investment options, initially focusing on partial ownership structures that could fund infrastructure development. As interest in the WNBA surged and franchise valuations climbed, those conversations expanded to include full acquisition scenarios. Houston emerged early as one of the most serious bidders.
A separate $325 million proposal led by former Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca briefly gained attention, but the WNBA blocked that deal, reiterating that relocation decisions rest solely with the league’s Board of Governors.
The league later offered to purchase the Sun itself for $250 million, a move that would have allowed it to direct the franchise to a preferred market. Many around the league believed Houston was the intended destination at that stage.
Although the Mohegan Tribe has also explored alternative arrangements involving Connecticut-based investment, those discussions have slowed. As a result, the Rockets-led proposal remains one of the most viable paths toward resolution.
Ideally, clarity would arrive before WNBA free agency begins, especially with most of the Sun’s roster approaching contract decisions amid ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.
What a Return Would Mean for Houston and the League
A successful Houston Rockets WNBA return would represent a cultural and strategic win for the league. Houston remains one of the largest media markets in the United States and boasts a deep basketball culture at both the professional and grassroots levels. Bringing a WNBA team back to the city would reconnect the league with a fan base that once set the standard for support and success.
For the Rockets, involvement in a WNBA franchise aligns with broader league trends and ownership priorities. Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations for the Rockets, previously stated that the organization remains committed to exploring every avenue to bring women’s professional basketball back to Houston. That commitment appears increasingly tangible as negotiations continue.
If approved by the WNBA’s Board of Governors, Houston could realistically host a relocated franchise as early as the 2027 season. While the process is far from complete, the direction is clear. Houston is no longer a hypothetical option. It is a serious contender to reclaim its place in women’s basketball history, with the Houston Rockets positioned as the catalyst for that return.
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