Full Breakdown
Connecticut Sun Sold to Fertitta Family, Set to Relocate to Houston in 2027
3/28/2026, 2:00:10 PM
Major Sale and Relocation Details
The Connecticut Sun, a professional women's basketball team, has been sold to the Fertitta family, owners of the NBA's Houston Rockets, for a record-breaking $300 million. This transaction, which is pending approval from the WNBA's Board of Governors, will see the Sun relocate to Houston in 2027 after playing one final season in Uncasville, Connecticut, in 2026. The team is expected to be rebranded as the Houston Comets, reviving the name of the original WNBA franchise that operated from 1997 to 2008 and won the league's first four championships.
Background and Context
The Sun franchise has been owned by the Mohegan Tribe since 2003, when they relocated from Orlando, Florida. The team has historically been successful, making the playoffs in 16 of its 22 seasons in Connecticut and reaching the WNBA Finals four times. However, the franchise has faced challenges, including a lack of modern facilities, which contributed to a poor performance in the 2025 season, where they finished with an 11-33 record.
In recent years, the Sun explored various sale options, including a failed deal with former Boston Celtics minority owner Stephen Pagliuca, who proposed relocating the team to Boston. The WNBA blocked this deal, emphasizing that relocation decisions are made by the league's Board of Governors, not individual teams.
Key Figures Involved
Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the Houston Rockets, is central to this transaction. His family has a significant background in business, particularly in gaming and hospitality. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has also played a crucial role in the league's expansion and relocation discussions, previously indicating Houston as a priority city for future WNBA teams.
Criticism and Opposition
The decision to relocate the Sun has faced criticism from local community members and political leaders in Connecticut, who advocated for keeping the team in the state. Figures such as Attorney General William Tong and Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam expressed disappointment over the loss of the franchise, which has been a staple of Connecticut's sports culture since 2003.
Official Statements & Responses
The WNBA has stated that "relocation decisions are made by the WNBA Board of Governors and not by individual teams," reinforcing the league's authority in such matters. Engelbert has previously highlighted Houston's strong history in the league and its potential for future success.
What's Next
If the sale is approved, the Sun will prepare for the 2026 season in Connecticut before transitioning to Houston. The relocation marks a significant moment in WNBA history, as it will be the first franchise move in nearly a decade, following the Las Vegas Aces' relocation from San Antonio in 2017.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The people at Mohegan Sun, I think they stepped up when they were needed and brought a team to Connecticut, as Connecticut deserves to have a team because we're a proven [area] where people will support women's basketball,” — Geno Auriemma, UConn Women's Basketball Coach
- “relocation decisions are made by the WNBA Board of Governors and not by individual teams.” — WNBA Statement
The sale of the Connecticut Sun to the Fertitta family represents a pivotal shift in the WNBA landscape, with implications for both the league and the communities involved.