The WNBA is on the verge of a major shift as billionaire businessman Tilman Fertitta and his family finalize the purchase of the Connecticut Sun, with plans to relocate the franchise to Houston and revive the legendary Houston Comets. According to multiple reports, including ESPN, the deal is valued at approximately $300 million and signals a powerful new chapter for women’s basketball in one of the nation’s largest sports markets.
The franchise is expected to remain in Connecticut through the 2026 season before officially relocating to Houston in 2027, marking the long-awaited return of a historic WNBA brand.
A Historic Franchise Reborn in Houston
The return of the Houston Comets represents more than just relocation—it’s the revival of one of the most iconic dynasties in WNBA history. The Comets dominated the league’s early years, winning four consecutive championships from 1997 to 2000 before folding in 2008 due to ownership instability.
Now, backed by Fertitta—who also owns the Houston Rockets—the franchise is positioned for long-term success with elite resources and infrastructure.
Key highlights of the move include:
- Team relocation to Houston beginning in 2027
- Final Connecticut Sun season scheduled for 2026
- Home games to be played at the Toyota Center
- Full integration into one of the NBA’s most advanced organizational systems
This move instantly restores Houston as a major hub for women’s professional basketball while reconnecting the league with one of its most successful original brands.
Financial Power Meets a Growing League
The reported $300 million sale underscores the surging value of WNBA franchises amid unprecedented league growth. With the league recently finalizing a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement, financial conditions are rapidly evolving.
Key financial and league developments include:
- A new salary cap projected at $7 million per team
- Increased player salaries, including $1.4 million supermax contracts
- Expansion momentum and rising franchise valuations
- Greater investment in analytics, facilities, and player development
Fertitta’s investment reflects confidence not only in the Houston market but in the WNBA’s long-term trajectory as a major sports property.
More Than Business: A Win for Houston and Women’s Sports
While the financials are significant, this move carries deeper meaning for the city of Houston and its sports culture. Fertitta has long emphasized that bringing the WNBA back to Houston is about more than profit—it’s about restoring a missing piece of the city’s identity.
Houston will now boast a complete professional sports lineup, including a premier women’s basketball franchise backed by top-tier ownership. Fans, who have waited nearly two decades since the Comets’ departure, will once again have a team to rally behind.
Key community and cultural impacts include:
- Restoration of a historic WNBA brand in a major market
- Increased visibility for women’s professional sports in Texas
- Stronger fan engagement and regional support
- Opportunities for youth development and community outreach
As Fertitta often says, “Know your numbers”—but this move goes beyond the balance sheet. It represents vision, legacy, and belief in the future of women’s basketball.
A New Era Begins
With the return of the Houston Comets, the WNBA continues to evolve into a league defined by growth, investment, and cultural impact. Backed by one of the strongest ownership groups in sports, the Comets are poised to become a flagship franchise in this new era.
For Houston, this is more than a team—it’s a homecoming. And for the WNBA, it’s another powerful step forward.
“Know Your Numbers!” I think WNBA being owned by NBA is perfect combination. Great Article!