Connecticut Sun Sold to Rockets Owner, Set to Relocate to Houston in 2027
The Connecticut Sun have announced that they will be sold to Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and will relocate to Houston in 2027. This marks the end of the team's 23-year tenure in New England after being acquired by the Mohegan Tribe in 2003. The deal is reported to be worth $300 million and is pending approval from the WNBA Board of Governors. The team will continue to play in Connecticut for the upcoming season before making the move to Houston and rebranding as the Comets.
The Mohegan Tribe expressed gratitude to the fans for their support over the years and acknowledged the impact of the team on and off the court. Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti also thanked the fans and community for their dedication to the franchise. Houston had expressed interest in buying the team last year and eventually raised their bid to $300 million, making it the highest sale price in WNBA history.
The Sun had previously received an offer of $325 million from a group led by Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca, but the WNBA blocked the potential relocation to Boston. The league emphasized that relocation decisions are made by the WNBA Board of Governors and not individual teams. With the sale to Houston, the franchise now has clarity for potential free agents who may sign with the Sun in the upcoming season.
The Houston Comets, one of the original WNBA franchises, won the first four championships from 1997-2000 before disbanding after the 2008 season. The move of the Connecticut Sun to Houston follows the recent trend of WNBA teams being owned by groups with NBA ties. The league has been expanding and evolving, with new ownership groups connected to NBA teams entering the WNBA. The sale of the Sun to Houston marks a significant milestone in the league's history.
In conclusion, the Connecticut Sun's sale to Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and relocation to Houston in 2027 represents a new chapter for the franchise. The move will bring the team back to its roots as the Comets and continue the legacy of success in the WNBA. The transition allows the Sun to honor their history in Connecticut while looking ahead to a bright future in Houston.