WNBA's Connecticut Sun Sold to Fertitta Family in $300 Million Deal, Houston Move Confirmed for 2027
The WNBA's Connecticut Sun are set for a major relocation after being sold to the Fertitta family, owners of the NBA's Houston Rockets, in a landmark $300 million transaction. According to reports from PaperCity Magazine and ESPN, the deal was finalized on Friday, with plans to move the team to Houston ahead of the 2027 season.
The upcoming season will mark the Sun's final campaign in Connecticut, where they have been based since 2003. Upon relocation, the franchise will be rebranded as the Houston Comets, reviving the name of the city's previous WNBA team, as detailed by PaperCity.
Connecticut's Efforts to Retain the Team Fall Short
The Mohegan Tribe, the current owners of the Sun, had explored sale options last year amidst interest from multiple parties. Connecticut state officials proposed a plan to keep the team within the state by moving it to Hartford, while former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry submitted an offer with intentions to relocate the team to Boston.
However, the Fertitta family, led by Tilman Fertitta, emerged as the successful bidders, with initial reports of their interest surfacing in December. This acquisition comes after Houston's unsuccessful bid for a WNBA expansion franchise, with the league instead awarding new teams to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia in recent expansion rounds.
Historical Context and Future Plans
The Mohegan Tribe originally purchased the team, then known as the Orlando Miracle, and moved it to Uncasville, Connecticut, in 2003. In a letter to fans last season, the tribe assured that the Sun would remain at Mohegan Sun Arena at least through the 2026 season, honoring their commitment before the planned move.
Despite a strong competitive record, including four appearances in the WNBA finals—most recently in 2022—the Sun have yet to secure a league championship. The relocation to Houston aims to tap into a new market and potentially bolster the team's prospects.
Tilman Fertitta's Broader Influence
Tilman Fertitta, who also serves as the US ambassador to Italy, has been a prominent figure in international sports diplomacy. He was notably visible during the recent Milano Cortina Winter Olympics as part of the US presidential delegation, appearing alongside Vice-President JD Vance at various events, highlighting his multifaceted role in both sports and politics.
This sale and relocation mark a significant shift in the WNBA landscape, with Houston set to welcome back a franchise under the storied Comets name, while Connecticut prepares to bid farewell to a team that has been a staple in the community for over two decades.
