March 30 (UPI) — Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta agreed to buy the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun and plans to move the franchise to Houston, the team announced Monday.
Fertitta intends to purchase the Sun for $300 million from the Mohegan Tribe. The sale is pending approval by the WNBA board of governors.
The Sun will remain in Connecticut in 2026 before moving to Houston. The Houston Comets initially formed in 1997 as one of eight original WNBA teams. They won the league’s first four titles, but were disbanded in 2008.
“Mohegan owes an enormous amount of gratitude first and foremost to our extraordinary fans cheering on the team for 23 incredible seasons,” Joe Soper, the corresponding secretary for the Mohegan Tribal Council, said in a news release.
“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.”
The Sun, who won at least 25 games for four consecutive seasons from 2021 through 2024, went 11-33 last season. They advanced to the WNBA Finals four times, but failed to win a title in Connecticut. The franchise was established in 1999 as the Orlando Miracle. The Mohegan Tribe purchased the Miracle in 2003 and moved the team to Connecticut.
“The Connecticut Sun organization understands how emotional this moment is for our fans and community,” Sun president Jen Rizzotti said. “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.”
The Sun will open their 2026 WNBA regular season against the New York Liberty at 7:30 p.m. EDT May 8 in Brooklyn, N.Y.
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