Key moments
The Connecticut Sun are set to relocate to Houston after the 2026 season, a significant development in the WNBA landscape. The Fertitta family has agreed to purchase the team for $300 million, marking a new chapter for the franchise that has been a staple in Connecticut since 2003.
The Sun will play their final season in Uncasville, Connecticut, in 2026 before making the move to Houston in 2027. This relocation is expected to see the franchise renamed the Houston Comets, a nod to the original team that won four consecutive WNBA championships from 1997 to 2000.
Since their inception in Uncasville, the Connecticut Sun have made the playoffs in 16 of their 22 seasons, reaching the WNBA Finals four times but never clinching a championship. Their performance has been a source of pride for fans, although the team faced challenges last season, finishing with an 11-33 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
The WNBA Board of Governors must approve the sale and relocation, a process that is standard for team transactions within the league. Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA Commissioner, noted the competitive nature of the bidding process, highlighting Houston’s strong history in the league and its ownership group.
Governor Ned Lamont expressed his sentiments regarding the move, stating, “The Connecticut Sun inspired fans, elevated women’s sports, and represented our state with pride.” This sentiment reflects the emotional impact the team has had on the community over the years.
Geno Auriemma, a prominent figure in women’s basketball, commented on the implications of the move, saying, “Moving, I think it leaves a void.” This statement underscores the significance of the Sun’s presence in Connecticut and the potential gap that their departure may create in the local sports culture.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline and specifics of the relocation process, but the sale of the Sun marks a notable shift in the WNBA, especially considering that the last team sold, the Atlanta Dream, went for under $10 million in 2021. This sale reflects the increasing valuation of franchises in the league.
The Connecticut Sun began playing in Uncasville in 2003 after being relocated from Orlando by the Mohegan Tribe. As the franchise prepares for its final seasons in Connecticut, the community reflects on the team’s legacy and the future it holds in Houston.
