Key moments
The Connecticut Sun are set to relocate to Houston, Texas, after the conclusion of the 2026 WNBA season. This significant move comes as the Fertitta family has agreed to purchase the franchise for a staggering $300 million, marking a new chapter for the team that has been a staple in Connecticut since 2003.
The Sun will play their final season in Uncasville, Connecticut, in 2026 before officially making the transition to Houston in 2027. The franchise is expected to be renamed the Houston Comets, reviving a historic name that won four consecutive WNBA championships from 1997 to 2000. The original Comets were a dominant force in the league, and this relocation aims to rekindle that legacy.
Since their establishment in Uncasville, the Connecticut Sun have made a significant impact, making the playoffs in 16 of their 22 seasons. However, the team struggled last season, finishing with a disappointing record of 11 wins and 33 losses, which resulted in missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. This decline in performance may have influenced the decision to relocate.
The WNBA Board of Governors must approve the sale and relocation, which adds an additional layer of scrutiny to the process. Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA Commissioner, noted the competitive nature of the bidding process for the team, highlighting Houston’s strong history in the league and its capable ownership group.
Governor Ned Lamont expressed his sentiments regarding the relocation, stating, “The Connecticut Sun inspired fans, elevated women’s sports, and represented our state with pride.” His comments reflect the emotional connection many fans have with the team, which has been a source of local pride for nearly two decades.
Geno Auriemma, a prominent figure in women’s basketball, remarked, “Moving, I think it leaves a void,” underscoring the significance of the team’s presence in Connecticut. The Sun were the first franchise run by a non-NBA owner, a pioneering move that has shaped the landscape of women’s professional sports.
The Connecticut Sun’s journey began in Uncasville after being relocated from Orlando by the Mohegan Tribe. The team’s history is intertwined with the growth of the WNBA, and their departure marks a poignant moment in the league’s evolution. Fans and stakeholders alike are left to ponder the implications of this move, both for the franchise and for women’s sports in Connecticut.
As the Sun prepare for their final season in Connecticut, the anticipation builds for what lies ahead in Houston. The franchise’s legacy in Connecticut will not be forgotten, but the hope is that the move will bring renewed success and excitement to the team and its new fanbase.
