Connecticut Sun reach deal to sell to Rockets owner, move team to Houston in 2027

Published: Monday, March 30, 2026 at 1:28 pm

Connecticut Sun Sold, Set to Relocate to Houston in 2027

The Connecticut Sun, a prominent team in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), has been sold to Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the Houston Rockets. The deal, valued at a record $300 million, will see the team relocate to Houston in 2027, ending its 23-year run in Connecticut. The WNBA Board of Governors must still approve the sale and move.

The team will play its upcoming season in Connecticut before transitioning to Houston and reviving the "Comets" name, a nod to the original franchise that won the first four WNBA championships. The sale price surpasses previous team valuations, highlighting the growing financial strength of the league.

The decision to move the team was not made by the team's front office. The WNBA blocked a previous offer from a group led by a Celtics minority owner that would have moved the franchise to Boston. The league cited its authority over relocation decisions and the priority given to teams that had gone through the expansion process.

The move to Houston aligns with the WNBA's recent trend of attracting owners with ties to NBA teams. The league recently agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement that mandates top-tier facilities, mirroring NBA standards. This move provides clarity for the franchise as it prepares for the upcoming season and free agency.

The Houston Comets were one of the original franchises in the league that won the first four WNBA championships from 1997-2000. The franchise disbanded after the 2008 season.

BNN's Perspective:

While the relocation is a significant loss for Connecticut fans, the record-breaking sale price and the return of the Comets to Houston signal positive growth for the WNBA. The league's focus on securing strong ownership groups and improving facilities is crucial for long-term sustainability and success.

Keywords: Connecticut Sun, Houston Comets, WNBA, Tilman Fertitta, relocation, sale, basketball, sports, franchise, team, expansion, NBA, Connecticut, Houston, Jen Rizzotti, Cathy Engelbert

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