The Houston Rockets show strong interest in the Connecticut Sun.
The Connecticut Sun, one of the WNBA’s most storied franchises, may be on the brink of a major change – potentially being sold and relocated from its longtime home in Uncasville, Connecticut. Recent reports suggest that the Houston Rockets have shown interest in the franchise. This move would be the first time women’s basketball has been back in Houston since 2008.
Owners of the Houston Rockets, led by Tilman Fertitta, are reportedly in substantive talks to purchase the Connecticut Sun. Discussions included the potential relocation to Houston and reviving the Houston Comets, a team that won four straight WNBA championships from 1997-2000.
There have been no finalizations in the sale of the franchise. Additionally, no agreements have been signed. The Mohegan Tribe, which has owned the Sun since 2003, is open to selling. However, the tribe is seeking a valuation that reflects the current rise in WNBA franchise values.
In the recent expansion of teams such as the Golden State Valkyries, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, the WNBA has not considered Houston as a spot for relocation. The league still continues to view Houston as a basketball hotspot despite not inquiring about this city as an expansion location. The Rockets’ ownership group’s potential purchase of the Sun presents a unique opportunity to reintroduce the WNBA team to a city that coincides with that of the NBA.
If this deal is finalized in the coming months, the relocated franchise could take the court as the Houston Comets as early as the 2027 WNBA season.
Many locals and fans in the state of Connecticut have insisted on keeping the Sun where they are. Discussions have taken place with proposals to move the Sun to Hartford, Connecticut.
Despite these efforts, the WNBA Board of Governors has ultimate authority over these decisions. The league appears to prefer placement in markets with NBA-affiliated ownership.
The potential relocation has its upsides. The market size is much larger in Houston. Existing in Connecticut can create financial issues. The Sun are one of the few WNBA teams without a practice facility. This highly impacts player recruitment. Relocating would hopefully ensure a permanent practice facility and more player recruitments. Lastly, there is a league growth strategy. As the WNBA expands and franchise valuations increase, strategic placement in NBA markets can enhance long-term stability.
For now, the Sun are confirmed to play the 2026 season in Connecticut.
The outcome of current negotiations – and the Board of Governors’ decision on any sale or relocation – is expected to become clearer in early 2026. If a deal is approved, the landscape of the WNBA will shift again, blending legacy with new opportunity as the franchise moves toward a new chapter.