HOUSTON – The WNBA is set to return to Houston, with plans to revive one of the league’s most historic franchises.
Houston Rockets owner Tilman J. Fertitta, through his company Fertitta Entertainment, has entered into an agreement to purchase the Connecticut Sun and relocate the franchise to Houston. Pending league approval, the team is expected to begin play in 2027 at Toyota Center.
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The move would bring back the Houston Comets name, a franchise that helped define the early years of the league.
“My family and I are thrilled for the opportunity to bring the Houston Comets back to this incredible city,” said Patrick Fertitta, the Rockets’ alternate governor. “Houston has a proud championship history in the WNBA, with banners from the Comets’ four historic championship seasons still hanging in the rafters of Toyota Center.”
The Comets were one of the WNBA’s original eight teams and became the league’s first dynasty, winning four consecutive championships from 1997 to 2000. The team folded in 2008.
During their 12-season run, the Comets made nine playoff appearances and featured several Hall of Fame players, including Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson, under head coach Van Chancellor.
Team officials say there is already strong local interest in bringing women’s professional basketball back to Houston.
“This is an exciting time for our organization as we welcome the WNBA back to the City of Houston and revive the legacy of the Comets,” said Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations. “The momentum and enthusiasm have been evident through the overwhelming interest from fans and the business community.”
If approved, the return would mark a major investment in women’s sports in Houston and restore a franchise that once helped put the city at the center of the WNBA’s early success.
League approval is still pending.