Houston Rockets owner Tilman J. Fertitta’s company, Fertitta Entertainment, has entered into an agreement to purchase the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun, with plans to relocate the franchise to Houston and bring back the historic Houston Comets name. Pending league approval, the franchise is expected to begin play at Toyota Center for the start of the 2027 WNBA season.
“My family and I are thrilled for the opportunity to bring the Houston Comets back to this incredible city,” said Rockets Alternate Governor Patrick Fertitta. “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. We believe the time is right to begin the next great era of Comets basketball, and we look forward to working with the WNBA as we move through this process.”
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“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 President of Business Operations Gretchen Sheirr. “The momentum and enthusiasm have been evident through the overwhelming interest from fans and the business community, all eager to support the return of this franchise. It is a true testament to the continued growth and investment in women’s sports, which deserve a place on the world’s biggest stages. We cannot wait for the Comets to begin their next chapter - reigniting the passion of their loyal fans while inspiring a new generation.”
The Houston Comets were one of the WNBA’s original eight franchises and established themselves as one of the greatest dynasties in sports by winning the league’s first four championships. Over 12 seasons of operation from 1997-2008, the Comets made nine playoff appearances and were home to several legends, including Hall of Famers Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, and former head coach Van Chancellor.
Fans should visit houston.comets.com to place a $99 per seat deposit and secure priority access to season tickets for the return of the Houston Comets.
Fans can also sign up for insider updates and purchase official WNBA Houston merchandise as the city prepares to welcome back one of the league’s most iconic franchises.