The Houston Comets could be back in the Women’s National Basketball Association‘s orbit with the sale of the Connecticut Sun to a group from Houston.
The Sun confirmed the sale in a press release on Monday, March 30. The team has been sold to the Tilman J. Fertitta family, owners of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, and will play one more season in Connecticut before relocating to Texas for 2027.
“Mohegan owes an enormous amount of gratitude first and foremost to our extraordinary fans cheering on the team for 23 incredible seasons. This team — and what the talented women who have worn this uniform over the years have meant to Mohegan Sun, our region and the impact they’ve made both on and off the court, has been nothing short of remarkable. That includes the dedication of our front office and the invaluable collaboration and support we’ve received from the State of Connecticut, as well as from businesses and other community partners across the region and beyond.”
— Joe Soper, Corresponding Secretary, Mohegan Tribal Council
When they make their move, the team could rebrand as the Houston Comets, the WNBA franchise that played in the city from 1997 to 2008. The team won four straight WNBA championships from 1997 to 2000, but were disbanded in 2008 when owner Hilton Koch put the team up for sale and no investors stepped up to take over. The WNBA has filed for trademarks for several defunct team nicknames, including the Comets.
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The franchise that’s moving to Houston started as the Orlando Miracle in 1999 before it was purchased by the Mohegan Tribe in 2003 and moved to southeastern Connecticut to play in an arena inside the Mohegan Sun casino resort.
Reports surfaced in August 2025 that the Sun were up for sale, with Houston, Boston and Hartford as possible landing spots. At the time, it was believed Houston was the favored option even though Fertitta had made an expansion bid that fell short of the WNBA’s expectations. That round of expansion will see new teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia by 2030.
Like the Comets and the expansion Portland Fire — who tip off their 2026 season on Saturday, May 9 — the Cleveland and Detroit teams could also revive previous WNBA identities. The league also holds trademarks for both the Cleveland Rockers and the Detroit Shock.
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The Sun’s final season in Connecticut will include two regular season games at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, as well as a game on August 18 against the Los Angeles Sparks at TD Garden in Boston.
“The Connecticut Sun organization understands how emotional this moment is for our fans and community. You have made a home for this franchise for generations, and we are grateful for the passion and support that made us a cornerstone team in the WNBA. While the league continues to grow and evolve, our commitment is to honor this legacy — and finishing this final season together with pride.”
— Jen Rizzotti, President, Connecticut Sun