Tillman Fertitta is taking over the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun, but the franchise’s future is quite murky after the new owner’s investment indicates a move out of state.
Connecticut has been a WNBA staple for nearly two decades after the organization moved from Orlando in 2003. However, Fertitta and his family have new intentions for the franchise as they plan to move forward.
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ESPN’s Alexa Phillippou has indicated that the Fertitta family is moving the Sun to Houston. The new team reportedly will become the Houston Comets as they share the NBA market with the city’s Rockets.
The Comets were an original WNBA franchise that won four straight championships from 1997 to 2000. However, the team folded eight years later despite its incredible success with notable women’s basketball stars like Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson.
Back in December 2025, an ESPN report emerged indicating that Houston was a likely destination for the Sun. However, it appears that the plan is now coming to fruition after Connecticut’s long-time tenure comes to an abrupt end.
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WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert revealed last June that Houston could be a prime market for the league’s expansion. The situation became murky though in July after a reported $325 million deal for the Sun to sell to Boston Celtics owner Steve Pagliuca fell through.
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Meanwhile, other cities like Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia are all set for their own WNBA expansion projects after paying roughly $250 million for franchise rights.
Prior to moving to Connecticut after the 2002 season, the Orlando Miracle debuted for the first four WNBA seasons. The league originated in 1999 and has now been running for nearly 28 seasons.
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