WNBA Approves Connecticut Sun Sale and Relocation to Houston

The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have unanimously approved the sale of the Connecticut Sun and its relocation to Houston, effective with the 2027 season, according to official league announcements released Wednesday, May 14, 2026. The team will transition from ownership by the Mohegan Tribe to Tilman J. Fertitta, a prominent Houston businessman and owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets. The move marks the first major WNBA franchise relocation in recent years and revives the league’s presence in Houston after a 25-year absence, as the city’s former team, the Comets, folded in 2008.

The Connecticut Sun will complete the 2026 WNBA season at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, under the Mohegan Tribe’s ownership. However, the team will host two regular-season games at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut (May 30 and July 2), and one game at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts (August 18), before officially relocating to Houston. The league’s decision underscores a strategic shift to expand its footprint in major markets, with Houston offering a population base of over 7 million residents and a robust sports culture.

The relocation was approved unanimously by both the WNBA and NBA boards, reflecting broad support for Fertitta’s ownership proposal. Fertitta, whose family has deep ties to Houston’s sports landscape—including ownership stakes in the Rockets, the NFL’s Houston Texans, and the NHL’s Avalanche—has pledged to invest in the team’s infrastructure, fan engagement, and competitive success. The move also aligns with broader trends in professional sports, where franchise relocations are increasingly driven by market potential, ownership ambitions, and revenue opportunities.

For the Connecticut Sun’s fanbase, the transition presents a mix of uncertainty and opportunity. While the team will maintain its identity and branding during the 2026 season, the shift to Houston signals the end of an era for the franchise’s Connecticut roots. The Mohegan Tribe, which has owned the Sun since 2010, will retain operational control of the team until the relocation is finalized. The tribe’s decision to sell follows years of financial and operational challenges, including declining attendance and revenue pressures in the Northeast market.

Houston’s sports community has welcomed the news, with local officials and sports analysts highlighting the city’s potential to revive the WNBA’s popularity. The last major professional women’s basketball team in Houston, the Comets, played from 1997 to 2008 before folding amid financial struggles. Fertitta’s involvement is expected to bring significant resources to the franchise, including potential upgrades to the team’s facilities, marketing campaigns, and player development initiatives.

The WNBA’s approval of the relocation comes as the league continues to grow its global footprint, with recent expansions into markets like Las Vegas and Atlanta. The move to Houston is seen as a strategic step to strengthen the league’s presence in the American South, a region with a rapidly expanding fanbase and increasing investment in women’s sports. League officials have emphasized that the relocation will not disrupt the Sun’s competitive standing or player contracts, ensuring continuity for the team’s roster and coaching staff.

As the 2026 season progresses, the Connecticut Sun will operate under a dual-home arrangement, balancing games in Connecticut with preparations for the Houston transition. The team’s final season in Connecticut will serve as a bridge, allowing fans in both regions to experience the franchise before its permanent move. The relocation to Houston is scheduled to begin with the 2027 season, with the team expected to play its home games at a venue yet to be announced in the Greater Houston area.

The WNBA’s decision reflects broader industry trends, where franchise mobility is increasingly tied to economic viability and market growth. For the league, Houston represents a high-potential market with a demonstrated appetite for professional sports, including the NBA’s Rockets and the NFL’s Texans. The relocation also underscores the growing importance of women’s sports in major metropolitan areas, where ownership groups are increasingly prioritizing investment in leagues like the WNBA.

While the Connecticut Sun’s move to Houston is a significant development for the WNBA, it also raises questions about the future of women’s sports in Connecticut. The state, known for its strong sports culture and high median household income, may face a gap in professional women’s basketball until another franchise or expansion team is introduced. For now, the focus remains on the Sun’s transition, with league officials and Fertitta’s team working to ensure a smooth relocation process.

The WNBA and NBA’s approval of the sale and relocation was announced in a joint press release on May 13, 2026, with full details confirmed by both the NBA and WNBA official websites. The move follows months of negotiations and regulatory reviews, culminating in a unanimous vote by the league’s governing bodies. The Connecticut Sun’s relocation to Houston is set to become official at the conclusion of the 2026 season.