Houston Rockets owner Tilman J. Fertitta’s company, Fertitta Entertainment, announced Monday that it has entered into an agreement to purchase the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.
Under the agreement, plans are relocate the franchise to Houston and bring back the historic Houston Comets name. Pending league approval, the franchise is expected to begin play at Toyota Center for the start of the 2027 WNBA season.
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“My family and I are thrilled for the opportunity to bring the Houston Comets back to this incredible city,” Patrick Fertitta, alternate governor of the Rockets, said in the team’s announcement.
“Houston has a proud championship history in the WNBA, with banners from the Comets’ four historic championship seasons still hanging in the rafters of Toyota Center. We believe the time is right to begin the next great era of Comets basketball, and we look forward to working with the WNBA as we move through this process.”
The deal is reportedly for $300 million, a record price for a WNBA team.
“This is an exciting time for our organization as we welcome the WNBA back to the City of Houston and revive the legacy of the Comets,” said Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations.
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“The momentum and enthusiasm have been evident through the overwhelming interest from fans and the business community, all eager to support the return of this franchise. It is a true testament to the continued growth and investment in women’s sports, which deserve a place on the world’s biggest stages. We cannot wait for the Comets to begin their next chapter — reigniting the passion of their loyal fans while inspiring a new generation.”
The Comets were one of the WNBA’s original eight franchises and established themselves as a dynasty by winning the league’s first four championships. Over 12 seasons of operation from 1997 to 2008, the Comets made nine playoff appearances and were home to several legends, including Hall of Famers Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, and former head coach Van Chancellor.
Fans can visit houstoncomets.com to place a $99 per seat deposit and secure priority access to season tickets for the Comets’ return. Fans can also sign up for insider updates and purchase official WNBA Houston merchandise.
More: Report: Official WNBA-to-Houston announcement expected next week
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: In 2027, the WNBA’s Houston Comets are officially back
