WNBA return to Houston as Fertitta buys Connecticut Sun in $300M deal
Chron • • sports
Key Points:
- Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca attempted to buy the Connecticut Sun from the Mohegan Tribe for $325 million, but the WNBA canceled the deal due to Boston not participating in the official expansion process.
- The Sun will play their final season in Connecticut in 2026 before relocating to Houston in 2027, likely playing at the Toyota Center and potentially rebranding as the Houston Comets.
- The Houston Comets were a dominant original WNBA franchise, winning four consecutive championships from 1997 to 2000, led by stars Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, and Tina Thompson.
- The WNBA plans to expand significantly by 2026, adding new teams in Toronto, Portland, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Cleveland, marking a new era for the league.
- If the relocated Sun finish with the worst record, Houston could secure top draft pick USC star JuJu Watkins, potentially boosting excitement around the rebranded Comets.
