Fertittas Revive WNBA in Houston with Connecticut Sun Acquisition
The Fertitta family has reached an agreement to buy the Connecticut Sun and relocate the franchise to Houston, sources tell Filmogaz.com. An official announcement is expected sometime next week, insiders say.
Deal specifics and timeline
The Rockets’ ownership group is purchasing the Connecticut Sun. The franchise will move to Houston for the 2027 season. The agreement is described as unofficially complete by sources close to the negotiations.
Return of the Comets
The team is expected to adopt the Houston Comets name. The original Comets folded in 2008 after years of unstable ownership. That team won the first four WNBA titles, from 1997 through 2000.
Home arena and organizational backing
The revived Comets are slated to play at the Toyota Center. They will join an organization with NBA-level operations and analytics resources. That infrastructure should support high performance off the court as well as on it.
League context and finances
The WNBA recently finalized a seven-year collective bargaining agreement. The deal raises the salary cap to roughly $7 million per team. League popularity and financial terms set a more sustainable stage for a Houston franchise.
Motivation and leadership
Tilman Fertitta has publicly framed the move as the right thing for Houston. He portrayed the return as a boost to the city beyond simple profitability. Fertitta serves as the United States Ambassador to Italy and remains active in local sports ownership.
Impact for Houston and women’s sports
Fans in Houston will regain a signature women’s sports franchise. The relocation completes a long-awaited chapter in the city’s basketball history. Observers say the Fertittas revive WNBA interest in Houston through this Connecticut Sun acquisition.
- Team purchase: Connecticut Sun acquired by Fertitta family.
- Relocation year: First season in Houston expected in 2027.
- Proposed name: Houston Comets.
- Home arena: Toyota Center.
- WNBA salary cap: About $7 million per team under new CBA.
- Historical note: Original Comets won championships 1997–2000.
